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Fourth case of rabies identified in Polk County, sheriff says

Orlando Sentinel - 4/10/2019

April 10-- Apr. 10--Polk County's fourth case of rabies was confirmed Tuesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

PCSO responded Saturday to a Lakeland home where a dead bat was located inside a garage.

The bat was sent for rabies testing because it died inside the house without contact from humans or animals. The bat tested positive Tuesday.

The confirmation comes in the wake of three other confirmed cases in Polk this year.

Orange County has had two rabies cases reportedly identified in a raccoon and a cat, both in March and in Winter Park.

Rabies is transmittable through saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are bitten by an animal, the CDC recommends immediately washing the wound, followed by a trip to the doctor.

The Florida Department of Health also issued the following advice to residents:

* All 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 Orange County Animal Services at (407) 254-9150.

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

* For general questions pertaining to animals, contact Orange County Animal Services.

jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5268, @JoeMarPedersen on Twitter or @JoeMarioPedersenJournals on Facebook

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