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For Release Friday,
20th September, 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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RIVIERA BEACH, FL-A Rabies Alert for central and northern Palm Beach County, which was scheduled to be lifted September 30, 2002 by the Palm Beach County Health Department, will be expanded at least another 30 days. This notice follows the confirmation today of a rabid raccoon and possible human exposure near Ocean Reef Park. The Rabies Alert Zone covers the areas bounded by Lantana Road on the south, west to Highway 441, and north to the Martin County Line. The eastern boundary is the Atlantic Ocean.
Tuesday, September 17, 2002 a woman walking on the beach near Ocean Reef Park was attacked and bitten by a raccoon. As a precaution she has begun the series of rabies shots. Thursday September 19, 2002 a raccoon was caught not far from the area where the woman was bitten and lab tests confirmed it to be rabid today. The Health Department requests that anyone who had
direct contact with any wild or stray animals acting strange in the vicinity of the park since
September 1, 2002 to call the department at 840-4564 or Animal Care and Control at 233-1272
The latest case brings the number of human exposures to seven and the total confirmed rabid animals to 23. 2001 had a total of 14 rabid animals. This year has seen the largest outbreak of cases since 1953. Dr. Jean Malecki, Health Department Director, continues to warn residents about feeding or handling wildlife, and other stray animals. Citizens are being advised to be cautious but the park will remain open.
Securing garbage cans and other containers around the house can also help eliminate food sources and reduce the risk of non-domestic animals being around humans.
The 23 confirmed animal rabies cases have been found from Boca Raton to Jupiter; over 90% are in the area where the rabies alert has been declared.
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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