Israel's Health Ministry issued a public health alert Wednesday after a female dog infected with rabies was identified in Givat Ze'ev, a town just north of Jerusalem, near the Agan Ha'ayalot neighborhood. Four individuals who had contact with the infected animal have been directed to receive preventive rabies vaccinations.
Health officials are urging anyone who may have encountered the rabid dog, or whose pets may have come into contact with it or other stray animals in the area between August 5 and August 17, 2026, to contact the Jerusalem Health Bureau immediately at 02-5314820, or their nearest local health office to assess whether preventive treatment is necessary. After regular business hours and during weekends, residents should go directly to a hospital emergency room.
The ministry emphasized several key precautions for residents: Parents should ask their children whether they had any contact with suspicious animals and contact health authorities urgently if so. Pet owners should reach out to the municipal veterinarian to verify their animals' vaccination status. The ministry also requested that information about the incident be shared with hikers and visitors in the area and surrounding communities.
Health officials reminded the public that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with running water and soap, disinfect it with antiseptic solution, and visit a health bureau to determine whether preventive rabies treatment is required.
