Health Ministry Warns of Rabies Exposure in Northern Israel

Israel's Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public warning following confirmation of a rabies case in a four-month-old Cane Corso puppy in the eastern neighborhood of Deir Hanna, a village in the Lower Galilee. The infected puppy, described as medium-sized and black, was diagnosed with the disease.

As of now, 17 people who had potential contact with the puppy have been identified and directed to receive preventive treatment. The ministry's epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

Individuals who had contact with the infected puppy, or whose pets may have had contact, in the incident area between October 15 and October 31, 2026, are urged to immediately contact the Health Bureau in Acre at 17 David Noy Street (phone: 04-9955138) or their nearest Health Bureau for an assessment of preventive treatment needs. Outside of working hours and on weekends, individuals should go directly to a hospital emergency room without an appointment.

The Ministry of Health also advises that in case of a bite or scratch from an animal in the affected area and period, the wound should be immediately washed with running water and soap for ten minutes, disinfected, and followed by urgent contact with a Health Bureau or emergency room. Parents of children who were in the area are asked to determine if their children had contact with the infected puppy or stray animals. Pet owners whose animals might have been exposed are instructed to consult their local veterinarian for guidance. The public is called upon to disseminate this information to residents of the area and nearby communities.