Local rabies warning issued after a person was exposed to a rabid bat

St. Johns County Animal Control and the SJC Florida Department of Health are warning people to be safe after a confirmed case of a rabies.

The SJC-DOH says someone in the county needed lifesaving treatments and vaccinations after being exposed to a rabid bat.

“I worried about our dogs. I wouldn’t want the bats to swoop down on our little guys,” said Eunice Johnannesen, a St. Johns County resident.

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The viral disease is preventable, and it’s most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

The virus infects the central nervous system and can cause death if not treated in a short period of time.

Most rabies cases are seen in animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and feral cats.

“Rabies is a really scary thing, and especially if someone has been infected and came so close to dying,” said Rebecca Johannesen, a St Johns County woman. “I mean you worry about your kids, you worry about, you know, your pets, and you just want everyone to stay safe.”

It’s present in some Florida wildlife and can spread to unvaccinated pets, and it could be a danger to pet owners and their families. DOH responds to these incidents and provides testing and quarantining.

“I’m more concerned with maybe a raccoon or a fox or something like that. Just because they seem more fierce than a darned old bat,” said Tom Johannesen.

The St. Johns County Department of Health says you can take the following steps to decrease the chances of being exposed to the disease:

•    Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
•    Follow local leash laws. Do not allow your pets to run free. Keep pets and livestock secured.
•    Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract animals with outdoor food sources such as uncovered trash or litter.
•    Teach children to never 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 encounter people and pets.
•    If persons are bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals, seek medical attention and report the injury to the DOH-St. Johns County Health Department at 904-209-3250. 
•    If your pet or livestock are bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact St. Johns County's Division of Animal Control at 904-209-0746. Information can also be access via the following webpage: www.sjcfl.us/AnimalControl/index.aspx

Cox Media Group