Health officials have extended a rabies alert in the same area of Kendall in southwest Miami-Dade County after two more raccoons tested positive for rabies.
"These two raccoons were found with neurological symptoms but with no known human exposure," the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County said in a statement on Saturday.
The agency said it is extending the alert by an additional 60 days in effect for the section of West Kendall from SW 152nd Street to 187th Street north and south, as well as 117th Avenue to 137th Avenue to the east and west.
Officials first announced the alert on May 18 after a rabid raccoon was found in the area but they did not release the exact location where the second animal was found.
Five rabid raccoons have been found since.
"The concern is that there could be other raccoons infected that people have to take appropriate precautions to not enter in contact with raccoons," said an official.
Rabies is a nervous system disease that can be fatal in humans and warm-blooded animals – with the only treatment for human exposure being a specific immunization.
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DOH officials advise all residents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and keep them under supervision while outside and to avoid wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, coyotes and others.
Humans are also not advised to feed wild animals or bring them into their home. Anyone who may have been exposed to a wild animal can call the DOH’s Miami-Dade office at 305-324-2400.
