Rabies Case Confirmed In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — A raccoon that bit a Chihuahua in Lakeland has tested positive for rabies, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section. The incident happened on Dec. 28.

"A homeowner on Glenoak Drive in Lakeland heard a dog howl outside. She noticed blood on the back porch and saw that a raccoon had bitten a Chihuahua," the sheriff's office reported. "The raccoon was impounded from the location and was confirmed positive for rabies from the state laboratory in Tampa."

Fortunately, the dog already had its rabies vaccination, but will remain quarantined for 45 days in its owner's house.

"Residents are reminded that raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or 'rabies vector species,'" warned the sheriff's office. "Please make sure your pets are vaccinated and do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner."

To report a possible exposure, call the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.

Rabies is described by the World Health Organization as an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical signs.

The Florida Department of Health reports that the virus can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family.

Here are some tips from the Department of Health to avoid exposure:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact
• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans.
• Do not leave food sources out for wildfire such as pet food or unsecured garbage.
• Avoid contact with stray and feral animals.
• 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.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.

"The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization," health officials cautioned. "Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease."

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