Illness almost always fatal, Cleveland Clinic says
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) “is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area,” its staff announced just after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.
The DOH advisory explained, “This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon” that was killed at the intersection of Grove Point Boulevard and Proctor Road in Sarasota on July 21.
“All residents and visitors should be aware” that rabies may be present in the wild animal population, the advisory pointed out.
“People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment,” the advisory continued. “If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies,” it added.
As the Cleveland Clinic explains, “Rabies is a fatal illness you can get from the bite of an infected animal. A virus causes it. Rabies is preventable if you’re treated quickly after a bite or other exposure, before symptoms start.”
The Clinic adds, “Symptoms include seizures, hallucinations and paralysis.”
A 2018 article posted on the website of the National Library of Medicine, which is an official website of the U.S. Government, says, “Survival is rarely reported in rabies …” However, the article does provide details about eight patients who did not succumb to the illness. Nonetheless, the article notes, with one exception, “[A]ll survivors had poor functional outcomes.”
DOH-Sarasota urges the public, with emphasis, to take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- “Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- “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 Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501.
- “Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Sarasota by calling 941-861-2873.
- “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 animals from your neighborhood. Contact Sarasota Animal Services at 941-861-9501.
- “Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
“For more information on rabies,” the advisory says, persons may visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Sarasota at 941-861-2873.