Rabid Fox Detected in Karnei Shomron; Sixteen Receiving Preventative Treatment
Sixteen people are receiving preventative rabies treatment after a rabid fox was discovered in Karnei Shomron and a nearby military base, prompting urgent health warnings.
The Ministry of Health has reported a rabid fox detected in the settlement of Karnei Shomron and an adjacent military base. Sixteen individuals who were exposed to the animal have been referred for preventative rabies treatment as epidemiological investigations continue.
According to an official statement, anyone who came into contact—or whose pets came into contact—with the infected animal or any other stray animal in the area between August 31, 2026, and September 13, 2026, inclusive, should urgently contact the Petah-Tikva Health Bureau or their nearest local health office to evaluate the need for preventative treatment. Outside of working hours and during weekends, individuals are instructed to visit a hospital emergency room.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Health has issued several key directives:
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Parents are urged to check with their children to see if they interacted with suspicious animals and to contact the health bureau immediately.
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Pet owners must contact the municipal veterinarian to verify their pets' vaccination status.
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The public is asked to share this information with travelers and vacationers in the area and neighboring communities.
The Ministry of Health reiterates that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal must immediately wash the area with running water and soap, apply antiseptic, and visit a health bureau to determine if preventative rabies treatment is necessary.
