Swine flu hits Israel

At least 14 Israelis are hospitalized in critical condition with swine flu, including six children.

Three Israelis have died from the swine flu in recent weeks, including an otherwise healthy 15-year-old who died the same day that he was diagnosed, according to the Health Ministry.

Some 8,000 Israelis have reported symptoms of the swine flu already this winter, the ministry said.

About 15 percent of Israel’s general population and a little more than half of those in the high-risk categories have been vaccinated, The Jerusalem Post reported.