Ministry of Health warns of deadly disease: 'Consider preventive treatment'
A dog infected with rabies was located in the Givat Ze'ev area, and four people have already been exposed to it. These are the immediate guidelines published for residents and travelers in the area due to fear of infection.
Following the report, the Ministry of Health is updating on a dog infected with rabies that was found in Givat Ze'ev, near the Agan HaAyalot neighborhood. Four people who were exposed to the dog were referred to receive preventive vaccination against rabies.
In a statement published, senior officials at the Ministry of Health conveyed a sharp and clear message to the public:
"We ask anyone who has been in contact, or whose animals have been in contact with the infected animal or a stray animal in the area of the incident between the dates 05.08.2026 and 17.08.2026 inclusive, to contact the Jerusalem Health Bureau or the health bureau closest to their place of residence urgently in order to consider providing preventive treatment."
It was also noted that after working hours and during the weekend, one should go to a hospital emergency room. Concurrently, the Ministry of Health is publishing additional guidelines:
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Parents of children — check with their children if they have been in contact with suspicious animals and contact the health bureau urgently.
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Pet owners — contact the municipal veterinarian to verify their vaccination status.
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Pass on the information about the incident to travelers and vacationers in the area and in nearby communities.
It is important to clarify, anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal is required to immediately wash the area with running water and soap, disinfect with antiseptic materials, and go to the health bureau to check if there is a need to receive preventive treatment against rabies.
Rabies is an acute, deadly, and incurable viral infectious disease after the appearance of symptoms that affects the central nervous system and the brain of all mammals, including humans. The ways of infection and transmission are bites and scratches, contact with mucous membranes, and animals carrying the virus. Among the symptoms of the disease in humans: fever, headaches, weakness, a tingling sensation at the site of the bite, anxiety, confusion, fear of water, paralysis, etc.
