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Miami-Dade Rabies Alert: What You Need to Know

Health officials have set off the first rabies alert in the area in 16 years after two rabid raccoons were found in Miami-Dade County.

For the next 60 days, the designated area where the spread of the disease is possible is from Sunset Drive (72nd Avenue) south to Southwest 128th Street, and from the Florida Turnpike east to Southwest 87th Avenue, according to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade.

Officials say that residents can best protect themselves by making sure their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and by avoiding wild animals. The rabies virus is preventable, but can be fatal within days after infecting the central nervous system, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1].

Last week, health officials reported that a rabid raccoon — the first confirmed in the county since 2001 — had tested positive for rabies after being captured near the campus of Miami Dade College in Kendall. Lab tests confirmed Saturday that a second raccoon killed by a car in Kendall carried the virus.

Residents in and around the designated high-risk area are encouraged to stay away from any wild animals, including bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Residents should call 311 if they think an animal is rabid or if their pet is bitten.

The Florida Health Department says that “outside cats,” or strays, are by far the most common domestic animal found to have rabies in the state of Florida. That’s primarily 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.

How is rabies spread?

When an animal is sick with rabies, the virus is shed in the saliva and can be passed to another animal or a person, usually through a bite.

What do rabid animals look like?

Animals that carry rabies can be aggressive, attacking people or other animals for no apparent reason. They may not be able to eat, drink or swallow. They may drool because they cannot swallow their saliva. They may stagger or become paralyzed. Eventually they will die.

What do I do if an animal bites me?
More guidance from health officials:

For more information about the alert, call the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.