NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County issued a rabies alert for the Yulee area on Thursday.
The warning was prompted by a rabid raccoon that tested positive and will remain in place for 60 days — until Feb. 20, the Florida Department of Health said.
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During this time, residents are urged to ensure that pets and livestock are up to date on vaccinations and to not let pets run freely. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast with DOH-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via email at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov.
Rabies is a viral disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.
The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Timely treatment after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Health officials reminded the public that all domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.
People are urged to follow this guidance:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets
- Always maintain control of pets
- If a pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County at (904) 832-2644
- Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the state Department of Health
- Animal control should be called to remove any stray animals from neighborhoods
- Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside or by leaving garbage cans open
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into homes
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear cute or friendly
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces