Southwest Miami-Dade Rabies Alert Lifted

PALMETTO BAY, FL — Health officials have lifted a rabies alert in southwest Miami-Dade County. The alert affected the Palmetto Bay area of SW 144th Street to the north, SW 184th Street to the south, Biscayne Bay to the east and U.S. 1 to the west. The alert was issued on Nov. 21.

"There has not been another positive laboratory result for rabies within 60 days," said state health officials in announcing the action Tuesday. "This is an appropriate timeframe to lift the health advisory. However, in Florida there is a risk of rabies transmission year-round."

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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 and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1 if you have concerns.
• Call 3-1-1 to report any stray dogs in your neighborhood or private property. Owners can hire a nuisance wildlife trapper for removal of wildlife.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 3-1-1.
• Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or littler.
• 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 Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.

"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."

For more information on rabies click here, call 305-324-2400 or call Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1-1.

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