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Officials say if you or a family member has been bitten or scratched by a raccoon, or if you know anyone who was bitten or scratched, to contact the Florida Department of Health
Seminole County residents are asked to be on high alert after a raccoon that attacked a resident, and her dog, tested positive for Rabies.

The incident occurred in about 3 miles from a Rabies alert that was issued on July 22.

Officials say if you or a family member has been bitten or scratched by a raccoon, or if you know anyone who was bitten or scratched, to contact the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County at 407-665-3294.

It's important to remember that Rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated. An animal with Rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated. Officials say 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 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

According to the department of health, Rabies affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Rabies 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 to saliva of a rabid animal. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and Rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment which is started soon after the exposure can help protect an exposed person from the disease.

For more information on Rabies, visit the the Florida DOH website or the CDC website.