Health officials have issued a rabies alert for a portion of Orange County in response to a dog testing positive for the viral disease.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued the alert on Thursday, October 5, for the Belle Isle/Conway area in response to a dog that tested positive on October 3, 2023.
The affected areas include:
- East Michigan Street
- South Semoran Boulevard
- Lee Vista to Narcoossee Road
- South Orange Avenue
According to health officials, the alert is for 60 days. During that time, officials are warning residents and visitors to be aware that rabies is “present in the wild animal population.” Officials say domestic animals are “at risk if not vaccinated.”
“Contact with feral cats, stray dogs and all wildlife particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes should be avoided,” reads a statement from the FDOH.
Residents who have been bitten or scratched by an animal in the designated area, or by any animal in Orange County, should seek medical attention immediately and contact Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111.
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.
For more information on the disease, visit the Florida Department of Health page on rabies, or visit the CDC rabies information webpage.