LAKELAND, Fla. — A rabies alert was issued for parts of Lakeland on Friday after a raccoon in the area tested positive, the Department of Health said.
The alert is active for 60 days.
The following boundaries are included:
North boundary - West Socrum Loop Road
South boundary - Duff Road
East boundary - U.S. 98
West boundary - Kathleen Road
DOH-Polk said an animal with rabies could infect domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.
They added that rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
DOH-Polk recommended residents and visitors take the following precautions:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
- Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-Polk at 863-519-8300.
For further information on rabies, click here.
