Rabies Alert Issued for the Northwest St. Johns County Area

S T. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida. – A rabies alert was issued Thursday after there was a laboratory-confirmed case of rabies associated with a feral cat, according to the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County.

This rabies alert was issued for 60 days for an area of ​​Northwest St. Johns County within the 32092 ZIP code. The alert focuses on the Back Creek and Riverstone units and extends to the following highways:

• Westbound: CH Arnold Road
• North: Oak Grove Avenue
• To the east: Pacetti road
• South: County Road 208

Health officials warned that rabies could also be present outside the alert area.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immunoglobulin and rabies immunization.

Proper treatment started soon after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Health officials reminded the public that all pets should be vaccinated against rabies and all contact with wildlife should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, wildcats, and coyotes.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• If bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek immediate medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County at 904-209-3250.
• Keep rabies vaccines up to date for all pets and livestock at risk.
• Do not allow your pets to run freely. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock on your property secure. If your pet or livestock is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the St. Johns County Animal Control Department at 904-209-6190.
• Support animal control in efforts to reduce populations of wild and stray animals.
• Sterilize or sterilize your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that are not properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
• Do not inadvertently handle, feed, or attract wild animals with outdoor food sources, such as trash or uncovered trash.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children to never handle unknown, wild or domestic animals, even if they seem friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering dwellings or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they may encounter people and pets.

Additional information on rabies is available on the Florida Department of Health website.