IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon infected with 'cave fever'
Seven IDF soldiers who were in Lebanon were diagnosed in recent days with cave fever, also known as "endemic relapsing fever," and were hospitalized in hospitals across the country.
Assessment
Seven Israeli soldiers have contracted cave fever after operations in southern Lebanon, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks in caves and ruins. This highlights an overlooked health risk of ground missions in the region's terrain. Military medical protocols may need updating to include preventive measures or rapid diagnostics for such endemic diseases.