SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - The Florida Department of Health has issued a rabies alert for the Kendall area.
The alert is in response to a captured raccoon that tested positive on May 15.
Health officials have been working diligently with Miami-Dade Animal Services and Florida Fish and the Wildlife Conservation Commission to identify any individuals who may have come in contact with the raccoon.
The rabies alert is in effect for:
- SW 152nd Street, to the north
- SW 187th Street, to the south
- SW 117th Avenue, to the east
- SW 137th Avenue, to the west
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and can be fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.
“They are big. They’re standing on two legs now and walking around pretty much like humans,” said resident Cicelyn Kong.
Officials said the captured raccoon has been dealt with.
“He was captured, euthanized, tested and it came out to be rabid,” said Dr. Alvaro Mejia Echeverry with the Miami-Dade Health Department.
Officials want pet owners to know an animal could become infected if they have not been vaccinated against rabies. They’re also advised to keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and keep a close eye on pets so they do not come near a wild animal.
Resident Michael Gutierrez said he’s concerned about the situation.
“We worry that my dog may have the rabies,” he said. “And I have a little sister, so maybe it could hurt her or myself.”
A resident said he’s seen a group of raccoons in the area. “Probably a family of three or four raccoons,” he said. “They’ve been in the neighborhood for years, but we don’t know what’s going on, whether or not they have rabies. I don’t want to take a chance.”
“Once it gets installed, the disease is more serious and the person starts having neurological symptoms, incoordination, intolerance to water, people are not able to swallow because all the nervous system gets affected,” Echeverry said. “The person rapidly enters into a coma stage.”
If you believe your pet has been bit by a wild animal, health officials advise you seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade Animal Services at 311.
The rabies alert expires in 60 days.
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