Health Ministry Issues Rabies Alert After Infected Dogs Found

Israel's Ministry of Health issued an unusual warning on Monday following the discovery of two dogs infected with rabies in the communities of Beit Aryeh and Ali. The alert came after reports received on Sunday, leading to 11 individuals who had contact with the animals being directed to receive life-saving preventative medical treatment.

In Beit Aryeh, nine people were exposed to a medium-to-large mixed-breed dog, described as having brown fur with white markings around its neck and muzzle. This infected dog was observed roaming the streets of HaZait and Tirosh. The Ministry of Health stated that anyone who came into contact with this dog or other stray animals in the area between August 22 and September 5 must seek urgent medical examination.

Concurrently, in Ali, a medium-to-large Canaan dog, white with brown spots, was found to be infected with the fatal disease. Two individuals who had contact with this dog have been referred for preventative treatment. The potential exposure window for this dog is between September 1 and September 5.

The Ministry of Health urgently calls on anyone who had contact with the infected dogs or stray animals in these communities and their surroundings, or whose pets had such contact, to promptly contact the Ramla District Health Bureau or the nearest health bureau. During evenings and weekends, individuals should go directly to the emergency room. The ministry also urges parents to check with their children about contact with suspicious animals and advises pet owners to verify their pets' vaccination status with their local veterinarian. Information should also be shared with travelers and visitors in the area. In case of a bite or scratch from an animal, wounds should be immediately washed with soap and running water, disinfected, and medical attention sought without delay.