Israeli Combat Troops Hospitalized After Exposure to Rare Bacterial Pathogen in Lebanon
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 19, 2026 49 minutes ago
Medical News: Seven Israeli combat soldiers have been hospitalized after being infected with a rare bacterial disease believed to have been contracted during military operations in southern Lebanon. The soldiers reportedly developed severe symptoms shortly after returning from active deployment in rugged underground combat zones.
Israeli Combat Troops Hospitalized After Exposure to Rare Bacterial Pathogen in Lebanon
According to Israeli medical officials, the troops suffered from recurring high fevers, intense headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and episodes of chills. The affected soldiers were transferred to Beilinson Hospital and Sheba Medical Center where they are undergoing specialized treatment and close observation.
Dangerous Infection Linked to Cave and Tunnel Environments
Health experts identified the illness as tick borne relapsing fever, a rare bacterial infection caused by Borrelia spirochetes transmitted through bites from soft bodied Ornithodoros ticks. These ticks are commonly found in caves, rocky crevices, abandoned shelters, damp soil, and underground tunnels.
Medical investigators believe the soldiers were exposed while participating in operations targeting Hezbollah underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Many of the recent military missions reportedly involved prolonged activity inside rocky and cave heavy environments where infected ticks are known to thrive.
The disease is particularly concerning because symptoms can repeatedly disappear and then suddenly return. Patients often experience cycles of intense fever followed by temporary recovery before another severe relapse begins. If left untreated, the infection can sometimes trigger neurological complications, liver inflammation, breathing difficulties, and cardiovascular problems.
Additional Troops Given Preventive Treatment
Israeli military health authorities confirmed that several additional soldiers who operated in the same sector also received preventive antibiotic therapy after possible exposure to the bacteria. Fortunately, most of these cases were described as mild and stable.
The IDF Medical Corps has now launched a full epidemiological investigation to identify the precise contamination zones and determine whether infected caves or underground structures were responsible for the outbreak. Military doctors are also reassessing protective measures for troops deployed in similar high-risk terrains.
This
Medical News report highlights the hidden infectious disease threats increasingly facing military personnel operating in harsh underground combat environments where dangerous pathogens may remain undetected for long periods.
Growing Medical Concerns Over Battlefield Infections
Doctors emphasized that rapid diagnosis and antibiotic treatment remain critical for recovery. While tick borne relapsing fever generally responds well to treatment, delayed intervention can significantly increase the risk of sev
ere complications. Experts also warned that ongoing military operations in cave rich regions could expose more personnel to dangerous vector borne diseases in the future.
References:
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/flashes/685428
https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/cave-fever-idf-soldiers
https://www.facebook.com/YeniSafakEnglish/posts/seven-israeli-soldiers-are-hospitalized-in-israel-after-coming-down-with-a-rare-/1001725025577651/
https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-soldiers-lebanon-contract-cave-fever-tick-bite?amp
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/kaubemwpu
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/11/11/05-0521_article
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1089/vbz.2024.0041
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