The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) has confirmed the third rabies case of 2024. This recent case, discovered in a cat in the Citra area in September, follows two previous confirmed rabies cases earlier this year in a raccoon and another cat. The earlier incidents occurred in May in the Anthony area and July in Reddick.
With three rabies cases confirmed in Marion County this year, DOH-Marion is urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to prevent further exposure. Rabies is present in wild animals throughout the region, with high-risk species including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.
If you come into contact with a wild or domestic animal that may be infected, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Rabies Cases in 2024:
- May 21, 2024: A rabid raccoon was found in the Anthony area off Northwest 100th Street.
- July 9, 2024: A rabid cat was killed in the Reddick area off Northwest 118th Street Road.
- September 10, 2024: A rabid cat was killed in the Citra area off NE 30th Court.