Home / Health / LA County Investigates First Rabid Raccoon Since 1973
LA County Investigates First Rabid Raccoon Since 1973
6 Oct
Summary
- First rabid raccoon confirmed in Los Angeles County in over 50 years.
- One dog exposed but up-to-date on vaccinations and quarantined.
- Public urged to maintain safe distance from wild animals.
Los Angeles County is investigating its first confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon in more than 50 years. The animal was discovered appearing sick in a residential backyard. Fortunately, a dog that had potential contact was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and is currently quarantined and reported to be doing well.
Four individuals may have been exposed to the rabid raccoon and are undergoing follow-up treatment for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Health officials are working to identify the specific rabies variant the raccoon was infected with, which is crucial for understanding the source of the infection, noting that it is likely transmitted from a bat.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for residents to avoid touching, handling, or feeding wild animals and to always maintain a safe distance. Vaccination of pets is strongly advised, as rabies is 100% fatal in animals once symptoms appear but is preventable through vaccination.
