Los Angeles County health officials have detected rabies in a raccoon found sick in a Westlake Village backyard, in what may be the county’s first such case since 1973.
Four people who were at a worksite near the raccoon are receiving preventive rabies treatment after possible exposure. A dog that may also have been exposed was current on its rabies vaccination and is doing well under quarantine, officials said. The raccoon was not aggressive toward people.
County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis urged residents to keep their distance from wild animals, even those that appear healthy, and to contact animal control about animals that seem sick, injured or unusually behaved. Rabies can spread when an infected animal’s saliva or tissue enters the body, including through a bite, scratch or contact with a wound.
Please note! Comments are published by readers. The opinions expressed may not reflect the position of the editorial team. USCT is not responsible for the content of readers' opinions and asks authors to observe moral standards, not to incite national or racial hatred, and to avoid rudeness. Think before you speak. You are responsible for your words! By publishing an opinion, you agree to the rules! If this request is ignored, USCT reserves the right to deprive the user of the ability to leave comments.