Rabid Dog Near Shfaram Prompts Health Ministry Warning and Treatment

Israel's Ministry of Health issued a warning on September 16 after a rabid dog was reported in an agricultural area near the town of Shfaram in the Western Galilee. The dog, described as a large mixed breed, black and brown, has led to three individuals who had contact with it receiving preventative rabies treatment. An epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

The ministry is urging anyone who may have come into contact with the dog or any stray animal in the incident area between August 28 and September 14 to immediately report to the health office in Acre or their nearest health office for an assessment of their need for preventative rabies treatment. Outside of office hours and on weekends, individuals should go to the nearest hospital emergency room without needing an appointment.

Parents are asked to inquire if their children were in the area and had contact with the dog or any stray animal, and to seek medical attention if necessary. Pet owners whose animals may have encountered the infected dog are advised to consult their local authority veterinarian for guidance.

The ministry stressed the importance of washing any bite or scratch from an animal immediately with soap and running water for about 10 minutes, followed by disinfection, and then promptly seeking medical evaluation at a health office. The ministry also requested that this information be disseminated to everyone who was in the area and in neighboring towns during the specified period.