Rabies warning after positive case near Sumterville

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

On Tuesday, a case of rabies was confirmed in a cat near County Road 301, the release said. While the health department continues to monitor for rabies among wildlife in the area, residents and visitors are urged to be aware that rabies is currently present in the wildlife population, the release said.

The rabies warning will be active for 60 days in the following border area, 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 health department recommends taking the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies:

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

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

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not touch them, feed them, or inadvertently attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other food sources. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domesticated animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Sumter at 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 stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Sumter County Animal Services at 352-689-4400.

• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering residential or occupied areas in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they may come into contact with people and pets.

According to the Florida Department of Health, illness caused by the rabies virus in humans has a nearly 100% fatality rate if left untreated. For more information on rabies, visit this link on the Florida Department of Health website.

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