Los Angeles County has documented its first rabid raccoon in over 50 years. Health officials are urging residents to avoid touching wild animals following the discovery.
The county's department of public health announced this week that four people and a dog may have been exposed to the raccoon at a backyard work site in Westlake Village. The animal appeared to be in ill health but was not aggressive.
Rabies is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The US typically sees fewer than 10 deaths annually due to prevention efforts.
Officials in Los Angeles County advise residents to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and to contact local animal control if they encounter an animal that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually. They also recommend ensuring pets are up to date on their vaccinations.
Dr Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles county health officer, stated that the detection of rabies in a raccoon serves as an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even if they appear healthy. The individuals potentially exposed are receiving follow-up care, including a series of vaccines. The dog, which was vaccinated, is reportedly doing well under quarantine.
While the specific rabies variant is unknown, officials believe it was likely from a bat. The last documented rabid animal in the county, other than bats, was a skunk in 2014. This year, the county has recorded its highest number of rabid bats, with 69 cases documented, and nearly a third of all bats submitted for testing were infected.