Rabies Scare in Northern Israel: 13 Exposed to Infected Dog

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a public warning after a dog in Kibbutz Magan Michael was diagnosed with rabies. Thirteen individuals who had contact with the dog have been referred for preventative treatment.

The ministry is urging anyone who came into contact with the dog, or whose pets may have been exposed, between October 11 and October 26, to urgently contact the Ministry of Health's Hadera office or their local health bureau for assessment regarding preventative rabies treatment. Outside of operating hours and on weekends, individuals should go to a hospital emergency room.

Pet owners whose animals may have interacted with the infected dog are advised to consult their local veterinarian. The ministry also requests that the public share this information with others who may have been in the Kibbutz Magan Michael area or nearby communities during the specified period to identify any further potential exposures.

Rabies is a severe viral disease affecting the central nervous system, transmissible from animals to humans primarily through bites, scratches, or contact of infected saliva with open wounds or mucous membranes. The World Health Organization notes that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. However, prompt preventative treatment after exposure can prevent the disease and save lives. The ministry emphasized that the 13 individuals are not considered infected but are undergoing medical intervention due to potential exposure.