A Southwest Miami-Dade rabies alert has been extended after a second raccoon tested positive for the disease.
The Florida Department of Health received confirmation of the finding on Wednesday, extending the previous alert another 60 days for the section of West Kendall from SW 152nd Street to 187th Street north and south as well as 117th Avenue to 137th Street to the east and west.
DOH officials are urging residents in the area to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and keep them under supervision while outside and to avoid contact with wild animals, including:
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Foxes
- Coyotes
Rabies is a nervous system disease and can be fatal in humans and warm blooded animals. Furthermore, the only treatment for human exposure is a specific immunization.
Humans are also not advised to feed wild animals or bring them into their home. Anyone who may have been exposed to a wild animal can call the DOH’s Miami-Dade office at 305-324-2400.