Rabies alert issued after positive case near Sumterville

SUMTER COUNTY, FL. – The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County has issued a rabies alert after a positive case was confirmed in the Sumterville area, according to a news release.

A case of rabies in a cat was confirmed Tuesday near departmental road 301, the press release indicates. As the Department of Health continues to monitor rabies among area wildlife, residents and visitors are encouraged to keep in mind that rabies is currently present in the wildlife population, according to releases .

The rabies alert will be active for 60 days in the following border area, which is also pictured at the top of this story:

• South of EC 470

• North of County Road 528

• East of County Road 529a

• West of County Road 471

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The Department of Health has recommended taking the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets and livestock according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian.

• Keep animals under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secure on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open trash cans or other food sources. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Sumter by calling 352-569-3102.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

• Call your local animal control agency to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.

• Prevent wild animals, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.

The illness caused by the rabies virus can be nearly 100 percent fatal in humans if left untreated, according to the Florida Department of Health. For more information on rabies, follow this link to the FDOH website.

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