Rabies Outbreak in Israel Nears Record High with 101 Cases This Year

Israel is experiencing a severe rabies outbreak, with 101 cases reported since the beginning of 2026, putting the country on track to surpass the all-time record of 103 cases set in 2025. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with 55 cases in 2024 and an average of only 36 cases annually between 2000 and 2024. The current rate suggests that 2026 could end with approximately 142 cases.

Recent incidents highlight the escalating problem. A fox infected with rabies was discovered in the settlement of Karnei Shomron last weekend, attacking 14 people, including 11 soldiers. Earlier this week, a dog diagnosed with rabies was found wandering in the town of Ne'alim, and another rabid dog was identified in the community of Dishon in the Upper Galilee. It is currently unknown if anyone was exposed to the dog in Dishon.

While previous outbreaks were concentrated in border areas like the Galilee and Golan Heights, this year the disease has spread more widely. Cases have been reported in the Samaria and Sharon regions, as well as central Israel and the Gush Dan area, including cities like Modi'in and Holon. In one notable incident in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park, a rabid dog attacked a woman, leading to the exposure of 21 people to the infected animal.

The veterinary services have confirmed the diagnoses through laboratory tests. The rapid spread and increased number of cases underscore the severity of the current outbreak, which is significantly exceeding historical averages.