Mainstreet Daily News
Two months after issuing a rabies alert in Northeast Gainesville, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Alachua County lifted its warning Wednesday.
The initial alarm sounded May 14 after a stray cat tested positive for rabies near the Ironwood Golf Club area.
https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/health/fdoh-issues-rabies-alert-for-northeast-gain esville/article_00208c5c-b757-11eb-b16e-f7ed102d776d.html
“Although the alert is being rescinded, all residents and visitors in Alachua County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated,” the report states. “The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is still a concern.”
The center of the rabies alert was 3400 NE 53rd Ave. and included the following boundaries:
- NE 15th Street, Gainesville
- NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville
- NE Waldo Road
- NE 73rd Avenue
“An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies,” the alert said. “All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.”
Rabies is a disease that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal to both humans and animals.
“The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization,” Wednesday’s report said. “Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.”
For further information on rabies, visit the Florida Department of Health’s rabies website or call the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County at 352-334-7930 or Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6880.