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Date: 25/01/2018

Source: MoPH

MoPH Warning: The Precautionary Guidelines for Rabies Control must be Complied with

The Information office of Deputy Prime Minister Health Minister Ghassan Hasbani issued the following statement:

In view of the growing number of stray dogs in the different Lebanese regions, after more than one case of rabies in dogs has been reported in more than one Lebanese region during the last months, and after the Ministry of Public Health has detected a potential of rabies transmission to human, for the purpose of protecting the public health, the Ministry of Public Health urges citizens to comply with the following precautionary guidelines:

Proceed immediately (within 24 hours) to the closest center for rabies control after receiving a bite or even a scratch and follow up the preventive protocol of rabies until the last dose of vaccine
Immediate wash thoroughly the wound with water and soap
Cleanse wound with disinfectants
Avoid stitch up the wound, and in extreme cases, leave a part of the wound unstitched
Immediate vaccination
Avoid contact with stray animals, especially dogs and cats
Pay close attention to children while playing with animals
Vaccinate domestic dogs and keep their vaccination certificate
Observe the suspected animal for ten days after the incident

The Ministry of Public Health calls on the Ministries of Agriculture and the Interior and Municipalities to control stray dogs in collaboration with the concerned associations according to the international applicable laws, given the serious risk of rabies on public health.

MoPH Rabies Control Centers List