Rabid Raccoon Bites Westlake Village: Second Case in 50 Years

A rare second instance of rabies in a raccoon has been detected in Los Angeles County, marking the first occurrence in over half a century. This aggressive animal was found in a Westlake Village backyard, near where the first case was identified. Public Health officials confirmed that two people working at a nearby site were exposed and are currently undergoing necessary rabies treatment to prevent infection.

Health officials are investigating the origin of this second case, noting the first raccoon harbored a rabies variant typically found in bats. Coincidentally, Los Angeles County has experienced a record-breaking year for bat rabies, with 77 cases reported so far. While no pets were directly exposed to the raccoon, the county strongly advises all residents to ensure their domestic animals are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations for protection.

Rabies is an extremely dangerous and nearly always fatal viral disease for both humans and animals. Symptoms in wildlife can include increased aggression, appearing sickly, or unusual interactions with humans and pets. In humans, early signs involve fever and weakness, progressing to neurological issues. The public is urged to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and to report any animal exhibiting these warning signs to local animal control immediately.