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For Release Thursday,
8th May, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
DOROTHY DARVILLE, ANIMAL
CARE & CONTROL,
561-233-1215
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PALM BEACH COUNTY—Animal Care and Control and the Palm Beach County Health Department confirmed today that a rabid bat attacked a West Palm Beach, male Saturday May 4, 2002. The male is undergoing preventive rabies inoculations over the next four weeks.
Saturday’s bite is the second human exposure this year and 10th rabid animal confirmed since the first of January. Reports from animal care and control said the male was outside his house near Okeechobee and Military Trail in West Palm Beach, when the bat came and bit him on the neck. With the rabies confirmation in the bat, health officials immediately contacted the man and started him on the rabies shot series as a preventive measure.
According to Animal Care and Control 9 of the rabid animals this year have been raccoons and the bat brings the total to 10. Seven of the raccoons have been captured in north-county from the North County Courthouse to Jupiter. The others have been found in Western Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton.
During 2001 there were 14 animals reported with rabies and only three in the first four months of that year as compared to 10 this year.
Rabies is an invariably fatal, acute viral disease that is preventable if adults and children follow basic precautions. Residents are reminded not to feed wildlife, stray cats or dogs and to discourage wild and stray animals by securing garbage cans and outdoor containers.
Domestic animals, dogs and cats, over four months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license tag. Shots can be obtained through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care and Control at 561 233-1272..
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