The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. This is in response to a single confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon captured in the area off Washington Loop Road and Duncan Road in Charlotte County on Aug. 26. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be present in the wild animal population.
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. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.
Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:…