Public health authorities in occupied Melilla announced the fifth case of rabies since the beginning of the year. This follows the infiltration of an infected dog through the Beni Ansar crossing point on September 7th, arriving from the Nador region.
According to details provided by local authorities, the dog was a mixed breed, medium-sized and young, with white fur and a brown head. It was sighted roaming on Infanta Elena Street before being apprehended near the airport tunnel and taken to a veterinary shelter and observation center. Upon arrival, the animal displayed clear symptoms of rabies and died on September 11th. Five days later, on September 16th, laboratory analysis conducted by the National Center for Microbiology at the Carlos III Health Institute confirmed the rabies infection. Health authorities issued an official warning urging anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to the animal’s saliva to immediately contact the General Directorate of Public Health for preventative treatment, and to inform the local police. This is the fifth such incident in 2025, raising health concerns in occupied Melilla and highlighting the need for increased vigilance in animal monitoring and strict application of preventative measures to protect public health and prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
