Contact:

Gigi Rivadeneyra
(407) 607-8243
Gloria.rivadeneyra@flhealth.gov

Mirna Chamorro
(407) 717-0184
Mirna.chamorro@flhealth.gov

Sanford, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is issuing a rabies alert for neighborhoods in the east Geneva area. The alert is in response to a cat which tested positive for rabies in that area. Residents and visitors in 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 should avoid contact with cats and wildlife. 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.

Residents and visitors in Seminole County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public. Please be aware that rabies activities can also occur outside the alert area. This rabies alert is in effect for 60 days.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies. Contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided.

The following advice is issued:

• All pets should have current rabies
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild
• Do not leave pet food This also attracts other animals.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and
• 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
• Rabies is preventable when treatment is provided in a timely

For general questions pertaining to animals, contact Seminole County Animal Services at (407) 665-5201. For information related to non-domestic animals, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Northeast Region Office at (352) 732-1225.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system that can cause paralysis and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The virus is spread through saliva, and humans may become infected through a bite wound, scratch or exposure of a fresh cut or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth) to saliva of a rabid animal. 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.

For more information on rabies, visit: DOH website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases- and-conditions/rabies/index.html or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.

To view a Rabies Prevention Tips educational video please visit https://youtu.be/t39LoYhJg48 .