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Attack by raccoon exposes 2 people, 3 dogs to rabies
By ROBERT KING, Times Staff Writer
ISTACHATTA -- Two people and three dogs were exposed to rabies Tuesday when a raccoon attacked the dogs in an area near Lake Townsen Regional Park. The Hernando County Health Department said the raccoon tested positive for rabies. Environmental health director Al Gray said the dogs were injured in the attack. When their owners tended their wounds, they came into contact with the raccoon's saliva. The people -- whom Gray would not identify -- are receiving a series of shots to protect them against rabies. The dogs, which had been vaccinated before the attack, will be quarantined for 45 days, Gray said. The attack took place in the area of Daly Road. Gray said Health Department inspectors would go to the area and post rabies alert signs. The incident marks the first confirmed case of rabies in 2003. Last year, three animals -- a dog and two raccoons -- were found to be rabid. The eastern part of Hernando, between U.S. 41 and the Sumter County line, has been under a rabies alert for several months. While rabies cases are not unheard of on the more developed west side of Hernando, Gray said the eastern side of the county has more rabies cases simply because it is more wooded, and thus populated with more wildlife. According to the Health Department, raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks commonly carry the rabies virus. Rabbits, squirrels and rodents are rarely found to be infected and have not been known to cause rabies in people in Florida. Some general guidelines include: Vaccinate all dogs and cats over 3 months old. Avoid all free-roaming animals. Do not feed or pet wild animals.
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From today's Hernando Times |
