Israel reports human rabies case in a elderly man, 1st case in eight years
The Israel Ministry of Health reports a man from northern Israel who was bitten by his dog and was infected with rabies.
The 77-year-old is hospitalized in intensive care, being ventilated and sedated.
The North Health Bureau is conducting an epidemiological investigation in order to offer a preventive vaccination for the people that may have come into contact with the patient and the dog.
The last human rabies case in Israel was reported eight years ago in a foreign worker who arrived already infected.
Prior to that, the last case was in 2003.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal. Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
The Ministry of Health once again reminds those who have been bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the area with running water and soap, disinfect with disinfectants and go to the health bureau to check if it is necessary to receive preventive treatment against rabies.
Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical. Medical care following a rabies exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP includes wound care, a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of four or five rabies vaccines, which must be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This care is vital to prevent the disease from developing. It is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly.