Israel Sees Sharp Rise in Rabies Cases as Wild Animals Invade Urban Areas

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a warning about a significant increase in rabies cases among animals, with the disease spreading from northern regions to the Sharon and central areas. Between 2022 and 2025, rabies cases in animals surged by 225%, rising from 29 cases in 2022 to 102 in 2025. In the first five months of 2026 alone, 63 cases were recorded, with 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 attributed the increased presence of wildlife in urban areas to intentional feeding and improper waste disposal, which bring these animals into close contact with humans. The geographic spread now includes the Gilboa, Sharon, Emek Hefer, and Beit Shean valleys, expanding beyond the traditional northern and Jordan Valley areas.

The Ministry also highlighted dangerous incidents where infected dogs were moved between regions, including from Ramallah to Holon and from northern Israel to Raanana, despite a ban on transporting dogs from conflict zones. One such case in Tel Aviv resulted in 52 people being exposed to an infected dog, all requiring preventive treatment. Sadetzki emphasized the fatal nature of rabies and urged the public to avoid feeding wild animals and to ensure pets are vaccinated.

In case of a bite or exposure, the Ministry advises immediate thorough washing of the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, disinfecting with 70% alcohol or iodine solution, and urgent consultation with local health authorities or emergency medical centers. Rabies affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prompt treatment critical.

The Ministry projects that by the end of 2026, rabies cases in dogs could reach 150, with an increasing number of people requiring post-exposure prophylaxis due to bites from unvaccinated animals.