The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County office issued a rabies alert on Friday after a raccoon and an otter tested positive on November 5 in unrelated cases.
Residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is present and being monitored in the wild animal population.
The center of one rabies alert is Cypress Street in the River Park area and includes these boundaries:
North to Brazilian Circle
South to Dyer Road
East to the intersection of Prima Vista Blvd. and Tilton Road
West to the St. Lucie River
The center of the other alert is in a rural area with these boundaries:
North to the C-24 canal
South to the western bend of Germany Canal Road
East to Carlton Road
West to the end of Germany Canal Road
Rabies alerts are in effect for 60 days from the date of the incident.
All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all contact with wildlife should be avoided, particularly with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.
The alerts are designed to increase public awareness. Note that rabies-related activities may also occur outside the alert area.
Rabies is a 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 immunoglobulin and rabies immunization.
Proper treatment started soon after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
Take these precautions to prevent exposure to rabies
Vaccinate your pets and livestock according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property.
If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the St. Lucie County Division of Animal Protection, Services, and Safety at 772-462-8120.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with outdoor pet food, open trash cans, or other food sources.
If a wild or domestic animal bites or scratches you, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-St. Lucie by calling 772-462-3883.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animal from your neighborhood. Contact the St. Lucie County Division of Animal Protection, Services, and Safety at 772-462-8120.
Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living spaces or occupied areas in homes, schools, and similar places where they may come into contact with people and pets.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
Image: Cityofpsl
