Florida: Raccoon that bit man in Martin County tests positive for rabies
A raccoon that bit an adult male has tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred on December 15 on a private ranch off Kanner Highway between Stuart and Indiantown. The victim is receiving post exposure rabies treatment.
Image/CDC
This is the third case of rabies in Martin County this year.
Rabies is a virus that is transmitted from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. Any mammal can get rabies. The most common carriers of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animal in the United States.
Ways to prevent rabies:
▪ Make sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.
▪ Do not feed or handle wild animals.
▪ If you see an animal acting strangely, call Martin County Animal Control at 772-463-3211.
▪ If you get bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water for a least 5 minutes and see a doctor.
▪ Do not touch dead animals. Use gloves to remove and dispose of the animal properly.
▪ For more information, log on to: www.cdc.gov/rabies, or http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html
[…] Florida 12/19/13 Martin County: A raccoon that bit an adult male on December 15th at a private ranch off Kanner Highway between Stuart and Indiantown has tested positive for rabies. – See http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/florida-raccoon-that-bit-man-in-martin-county-tests-positive-for-ra… […]