Rabies-Infected Jackal Discovered in Golan

A rabid jackal was discovered on Saturday, February 24th in the region of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. This has prompted health concerns for individuals in the area who may have come in contact with the infected animal. Two individuals who had contact with the jackal have begun receiving preventive treatment for rabies, a deadly virus that can spread to humans from the saliva of infected animals.

The Ministry of Health is now urging anyone who may have been in contact with the rabid jackal, or anyone whose pets may have come into contact with it, to take immediate action. This advisory also extends to animals that were unattended in the specified area between the dates of February 8th and February 22nd. The Ministry recommends contacting the health bureau (Lishkat Briut) in Safed as soon as possible. They can be reached at the following phone numbers: 04-6994257 and 04-6994200. Alternatively, you can reach out to the nearest health office in your area of residence to determine whether you should start preventive treatment for rabies.

It’s important to note that the health services remain accessible even after regular hours and over the weekends. In such cases, individuals should go to hospital emergency rooms to seek immediate medical assistance.

The Ministry of Health also asks parents living in the specified area, or those who have visited, to inquire whether their children have had any contact with suspicious or stray animals. If there is any possibility of contact, the Ministry urges parents to urgently get in touch with the health bureau. The safety and health of the community is of utmost importance, and prompt action can help prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.