Child Sought in Possible Rabies Case

Expressing concerns about rabies exposure, health officials are trying to track down a family whose young child was scratched by a raccoon at Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 25th St. N., on Oct. 4.

According to officials, a park employee saw the toddler near the boardwalk tower, as the boy fed a pretzel to a raccoon. The animal clawed the boy, who looked to be about three years old.

The park employee, according to health officials, asked the adult accompanying the child to seek medical attention, because raccoons can carry rabies, a disease that is fatal unless vaccines are provided shortly after exposure.

According to a news release, the adult male took the child away and refused to provide contact information.

No description is available for the adult or the child. 

According to officials, it is very important that the child's family contact the Pinellas County Health Department to assess his exposure to rabies and begin treatment, if indicated. If you have any information, you can call the Pinellas County Health Department at 727-824-6932 as soon as possible.