Sept. 24, 2015

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN BREVARD COUNTY ISSUES RABIES ADVISORY

Contact:
Heidar Heshmati, MD, MPH, PhD
Heidar.Heshmati@flhealth.gov
(321) 454-7111

Viera, Fla.—On Thursday, September 24, 2015, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) received confirmation of a raccoon positive for rabies located at The Meadows Mobile Home Park, 1100 Estates Lane, Melbourne, FL 32934.

Rabies is fatal in humans if not prevented in time. We advise everyone in the area who has been exposed to any stray animals or even if their own pet has been exposed, to call Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services and Enforcement at (321) 633-2024. For medical recommendations and questions regarding rabies call DOH-Brevard at (321) 454-7111.

I am appealing to the general public to cooperate in the implementation and effectiveness of this warning by:

• Reporting any strange behavior of all animals observed.
• Avoiding direct contact with wild animals, such as raccoons, bats, etc.
• Having all cats and dogs immunized against rabies.
• Immediately reporting any animals running at large.
• Prompt and complete reporting of all animal bites sustained by any individual.

Only qualified personnel, such as health department officials and animal services enforcement officers are advised to handle these animals.

Please remember to keep your pet on a leash, keep animal rabies shot up-to-date, and report any sickness in animals. For more information about Rabies, please visit our website at:  www.BrevardEH.com. 

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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