KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Florida health officials are warning Osceola County residents and visitors after a confirmed rabies case was detected in the area.
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (DOH-Osceola) issued a 60-day rabies alert following a confirmed case in an unvaccinated cat that was euthanized near Academy Circle in Kissimmee on Tuesday, according to a news release.
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The alert covers a specific zone bounded by Fortune Road to the north, Neptune Road to the south, La Terraza Lane to the east, and Heritage Key to the west.
Illness caused by the rabies virus can be nearly 100% fatal in humans if left untreated, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The health department recommends taking the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
- Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
- Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Osceola by calling 407-742-8606.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.
- Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, follow this link to the FDOH website.
To report stray animals, contact Osceola Animal Services at 407-742-8000.