Health Officials Expand Deadly Rabies Alert for Kendall

KENDALL, FL — Health officials expanded a rabies alert for the Kendall area on Saturday after a second raccoon tested positive for the deadly disease.

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The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County reported that the raccoon was killed by a car in the Kendall area. Tests confirmed that the animal had rabies.

The alert was issued on Wednesday after state officials confirmed the first rabid animal in Miami-Dade County since 2001.

The alert was to remain in effect for 60 days.

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Rabies is described by the World Health Organization as an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical signs. In the case of Kendall, the raccoon tested positive on Tuesday.

"In up to 99 percent of human cases, the rabies virus is transmitted by domestic dogs," according to WHO. "Rabies affects domestic and wild animals, and is spread to people through bites or scratches, usually via saliva." 

The expanded alert now includes:

• SW 72nd Street (Sunset Drive) to the North,
• SW 128th Street to the South,
• SW 87th Avenue to the East,
• Florida Turnpike to the West.

State health officials said they are working with Miami-Dade Animal Services to identify any individuals who might have been exposed to the animal.

Rabies is present on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, but more than 95 percent of human deaths occur in Asia and Africa, according to WHO.

The Florida Department of Health reports that the virus is present in some wildlife in the state and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family

"The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons and bats. Infected raccoons and bats can expose people, pets, livestock and other wildlife to rabies, typically through bites," the agency stated. "Outside cats are by far the most common domestic animal found to have rabies in the state of Florida largely because they are often not kept up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Dogs, cats and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in the state of Florida."

Here are some tips to avoid exposure from the Department of Health:

• Avoid direct contact with wildlife, such as feeding wild animals.
• Consult with a veterinarian to ensure pets are current on rabies vaccinations for all pets.
• Supervise pets and young children while outside.
• If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention and contact the county health department as soon as possible.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals
• If your pet was bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1- 1.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Avoid contact with stray and feral animals.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.

For more information on rabies click here, call 305-324-2400 or call Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1-1.

Photo by jimmy brown via Flickr