Health Ministry Warns of Possible Rabid Animal at Sea of Galilee Beach

Israel’s Health Ministry and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority issued an urgent evening warning after a suspected rabid wild animal was reported near Duga Beach on the Sea of Galilee. The incident occurred a few hours earlier, and the animal has not yet been captured and is still in the area.

Authorities said 10 people who came into contact with or were exposed to the animal were identified and immediately given preventive rabies treatment, in line with Health Ministry guidance and standard precautionary practice. The relevant agencies are now investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The Health Ministry stressed that rabies is a dangerous and fatal disease, and urged anyone who may have been exposed to a wild animal in the area to contact the nearest district health office immediately. If it is evening or the weekend, people should go without delay to a hospital emergency department. The public was also told to avoid all contact with wild animals, and anyone bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to an unfamiliar animal should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care at once. Pet owners were told to make sure their animals are vaccinated against rabies by law.

The Nature and Parks Authority added safety rules for hikers and vacationers, including not feeding wild animals, not leaving food or trash in nature, not sleeping outside in unauthorized campsites, keeping all food and waste inside closed vehicles at the end of the day, and maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. The ministry and the authority said they will keep monitoring the situation and update the public as needed.