Israeli Health Ministry Warns of Sharp Rise in Rabies Cases Spreading from North to Central Israel

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a warning about a significant increase in rabies cases among animals across Israel, with the disease spreading from northern regions to the Sharon and central areas. Data shows a 225% rise in animal rabies cases between 2022 and 2025, with 102 cases recorded in 2025 alone compared to 29 in 2022. In the first five months of 2026, 63 cases were diagnosed, over half involving human exposure requiring urgent medical treatment.

Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry, expressed deep concern over the transmission of rabies from wild animals such as jackals and wild boars to domestic animals. She noted that wild animals are increasingly entering urban areas, attracted by intentional feeding and garbage disposal, which brings them into close contact with humans and pets. The disease, once mostly confined to the north and Jordan Valley, has now spread to regions including Gilboa, Sharon, Emek Hefer, and Emek Beit Shean.

The Ministry also highlighted dangerous cases where infected dogs were moved between regions, including from Ramallah to Holon and from northern Israel to Raanana, contributing to human exposures. One incident in Tel Aviv involved an infected dog that led to 52 people requiring treatment. Due to the ongoing conflict, the Ministry has banned bringing dogs from northern and southern Israel to prevent further spread.

Rabies is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system with nearly 100% mortality after symptoms appear. The Ministry advises anyone bitten or exposed to an animal to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes, disinfect with alcohol or iodine, and seek urgent medical evaluation at local health offices or emergency centers. Vaccination of pets remains critical to controlling the outbreak.