Second Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Oct 25: Health officials in Los Angeles County reported the discovery of a second raccoon infected with rabies in Westlake Village. This finding came shortly after the first rabid raccoon was identified earlier in October, marking the first instances of rabies in raccoons in the county since 1973.

The latest raccoon was found in a residential backyard and exhibited signs of illness and aggression. Two individuals working nearby may have been exposed and are currently receiving follow-up care, according to county officials.

Dr. Muntu Davis, the county health officer, emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals, even if they seem healthy. “The detection of rabies in another raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals,” he stated. He urged residents to keep their pets vaccinated against rabies to safeguard their families.

Testing is being conducted on the second raccoon to determine the specific strain of rabies. The first raccoon was found to carry a variant typically associated with bats, which has raised concerns given the record number of rabid bats detected in Los Angeles County in recent years.

This year has seen an increase in rabid bat cases, with a record-breaking 77 confirmed so far. In August alone, over 30% of bats tested for rabies returned positive results, indicating a worrying trend of increasing rabies cases in wildlife.

Public health officials advise residents to report encounters with sick or aggressive wildlife and to keep trash secured to avoid attracting raccoons and other animals. They also suggest pet owners ensure their pets receive vaccinations and seek immediate medical help if bitten by a wild animal.

The situation serves as a reminder of the risks associated with rabies, which remains a significant public health issue globally.