Rabies outbreak among 'Israeli' soldiers after stray puppy exposure

• Dozens of 'Israeli' soldiers receive rabies treatment after adopting a stray puppy that tested positive for the deadly virus.

Dozens of soldiers from the 'Israeli' Shomron Brigade in the occupied West Bank are receiving treatment for rabies after adopting a stray puppy that later tested positive for the deadly virus and died.

Rabies, which attacks the central nervous system, is nearly always fatal if untreated.

According to the Hebrew daily Ma’ariv, the soldiers had cared for the puppy for several days, unaware it was infected. After the animal began showing severe convulsions, it died, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Military Response and Investigation

The 'Israeli' Army confirmed that about 20 soldiers were sent to health offices and hospitals for examination and vaccination following contact with the infected dog. Officials stated that additional soldiers would undergo consultation as needed.

A military investigation revealed that the puppy had been brought to the base by a female soldier from a nearby field. Following the incident, the army emphasized that all personnel handling animals at brigade headquarters would undergo medical checks, and awareness campaigns are underway within the unit.

The Ministry of Health identified 27 individuals who had direct contact with the rabid puppy, with immediate post-exposure prophylaxis administered to prevent fatal outcomes. Rabies symptoms can include fever, hydrophobia, and neurological complications.

The incident underscores the importance of strict hygiene and animal control protocols on military bases, particularly in regions where stray animals are common.

Critics highlight the irony of highly trained soldiers exposed to a preventable hazard while the military’s canine units are frequently deployed in aggressive operations against Palestinian civilians.