SEMINOLE COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County issued a rabies alert for neighborhoods in the western Sanford area after a bat tested positive for the disease in that area.
In a statement released by the health department, it warned residents and visitors in the area bordered to the north by West 25th St, on the east by 17-92, on the south by West Lake Mary Blvd, and on the west by North Country Club Road to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife.
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According to the health department, if you, a family member or someone you know had contact with a bat, contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201 or the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County at 407-665-3243. If you are calling during the Tropical Storm Nicole response and the DOH-Seminole is closed, please call 407-665-3000, option 1 for the afterhours service.
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The health department said all residents of Seminole County should know that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals that are not vaccinated are at risk. The department added rabies activities can occur outside of the alert area and this alert is active for 60 days.
Contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided, according to the release.
The following advice is issued:
• All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside. This also attracts other animals.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.
• If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Seminole County Animal Services.
• Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.
For more information on rabies, visit: DOH website or the CDC website.
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