MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – An existing rabies alert for southwest Miami-Dade has been extended after another raccoon tested positive for the disease.
The Florida Department of Health announced Monday a dead raccoon was found with rabies, although no humans have been exposed.
The alert, which now extends through Nov. 16, 2018, includes the area within the following bounds:
- South of Southwest 152nd Street
- North of Southwest 187th Street
- West of Southwest 117th Avenue
- East of Southwest 137th Avenue
Health officials warned residents to secure their garbage cans and not to feed wild animals. Residents should also keep their pets under close watch to prevent contact with wild animals.
Raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes are frequent carriers of the virus.
Health officials said they are working with the county to identify any individuals who might have been exposed to the rabid raccoons.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should seek medical attention and report the incident to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.