Rabies alert issued for portion of Leon County

November 9, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- The Florida Department of Health in Leon County has issued a rabies alert for the southwestern part of the county after two raccoons tested positive for the disease.

The raccoons tested positive for rabies on November 2 and 6.

The alert areas include the territory bordered on the north by Interstate 10, the west and south by Capital Circle SW and the east by Monroe Street. The rabies alert will remain in effect until January 7.

Health officials say people in Leon County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated.

Rabies is a nervous system disease and is fatal to animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure is rabies specific-immune globulin and rabies immunization. Treatment started soon after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.