Rabies alert issued for Seminole County after cat tests positive, health officials say

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A rabies alert has been issued for neighborhoods in Seminole County after a cat in the area tested positive for rabies, according to the Florida Department of Health, in Seminole County.

Residents and visitors in the east Geneva area of Seminole County should avoid contact with cats and wildlife, officials said.

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Officials specified the area bordered to the north by Wildwood Trail, on the east by Stone Street on the south by Genova Court, and on the west by Pine Hill Boulevard.

Rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area, officials added.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

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Contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided.

This rabies alert is in effect for 60 days.

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DOH-Seminole issued the following advice:

All domestic pets should have current rabies immunizations.

Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.

Do not leave pet food outside. This also attracts other animals.

Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.

If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and promptly report the incident to Seminole County Animal Services.

Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely manner.

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Rabies is a disease of the nervous system that can cause paralysis and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans and is spread through saliva. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

If you, a family member, or someone you know thinks that they were bitten or scratched by a cat, contact Seminole County Animal Services at (407) 665-5201 or the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County at (407) 665-3243.

See a map of the alerted area:

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