By: Yoni Ariel

Israel’s emergency medical service MDA (Magen David Adom) is preparing to fly a large supply of blood to Peru for Zohar Katz, hospitalized in serious condition in Peru.

Katz, a 22 year old from Kibbutz Yotveta, was doing her post army-backpacking trip in South America. While in Peru, she was infected with a virulent bacterium that attacks the body’s circulatory system.

Initially she was hospitalized in a small rural clinic in San Jorge, where only rudimentary treatment was available. As soon as her family heard about her situation, her father and one of her sisters flew to Peru, activated the family’s medical insurance and had her transferred to a hospital in Lima.

MDA Executive Director Eli Bin ordered the organization to prepare to fly out an adequate supply of compatible blood that would enable the Peruvian doctors to stabilize her, so she could be flown to Israel. He has spoken to senior Peruvian officials, to ensure the shipment will not be delayed by Peruvian customs. As soon as the green light is given, the blood will be flown out.