Soldiers to get vaccinations, antibiotics for pneumonia

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
More than one thousand soldiers from the Tzukei Uvda army base in the Negev will receive antibiotics, and several hundred soldiers who were in close contact with those who have already contracted pneumonia will also be vaccinated, Chief Medical Officer Brig.-Gen. Dr. Hezi Levy told reporters on Monday. He said that late Sunday night, the type of bacteria and the strain were positively identified, and added that the bacteria can be treated with most antibiotics. Meanwhile, the condition of the female soldier who is hospitalized at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba remains serious but stable. The condition of the soldier who was hospitalized at the intensive care unit in Hadassah-University Hospital, Ein Kerem, has also improved. Last week after 14 soldiers undergoing basic training at the base fell ill, the army sent hundreds of recruits home. The soldiers are expected to return to the base next week after receiving the necessary medication, which will be distributed at clinics in Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Jerusalem and Haifa. Levy stressed that since Sunday no new cases have been reported. The Medical Corps meanwhile will continue to monitor the situation. Parents and soldiers who want to receive additional information can contact an information center at (03) 737-9220/1.