By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology has reported 53 confirmed animal rabies cases since the beginning of the year through August 31.

Of the 53 animals, raccoons accounted for more than half with 27, followed by foxes with 14. Leon and Orange counties saw the most cases during this period with five each.

Vibrio vulnificus cases reported in Clay and Volusia counties, Florida

An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. 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 immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

World Rabies Day 2021- Livestream event

Residents and visitors of the above areas are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Avoid all contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly.
  • Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash.
  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
  • Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.

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