Israel's Health Ministry has issued an urgent public health warning after a rabid puppy was discovered in Na'aleh, a community in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria.
The infected animal, a medium-sized mixed-breed puppy with brown and white coloring, has already led to five people being referred to health bureaus for evaluation and possible preventive treatment. An epidemiological investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Health officials are calling on anyone who had contact with the infected dog, or with any stray animal in the area since the beginning of the month, to immediately contact the Ramle Health Bureau at 08-9181202 or the health bureau nearest to their home. After business hours and on weekends, individuals should go directly to a hospital emergency room without scheduling an appointment.
The ministry is also asking parents whose children were in the area to check whether they came into contact with the dog or other stray animals. Pet owners whose animals may have encountered the infected puppy are instructed to contact the municipal veterinarian immediately.
