February 7, 2024

DOH-LAKE ISSUES RABIES ALERT

Contact:

Noelda Lopez, Public Information Specialist Noelda.Lopez@flhealth.gov

Office: 352-589-6424, After Hours: 352-729-1754

Lake County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies may be currently present in the wild animal population.

Additionally, DOH-Lake is responding to a bat-related incident at 15920 County Rd 455 Montverde, Florida. If you recently visited this location, especially if you came in contact with a bat while present in this establishment, contact DOH-Lake. Receiving appropriate treatment quickly will protect you from the risk of rabies.

Contact Information: DOH-Lake

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 352 – 707 – 6064.

Weekends or after hours: 352 – 250 – 7329.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals, especially bats, which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment.

Take the following precautions for you and your pets:

• Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement at 352-343-2101.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Lake County Sheriff’s Office Animal Enforcement at 352-343- 2101, Monday – Friday, 8:30 m. – 5 p.m. To request an animal control officer before or after office hours, please dial 911.
• Immunize your pets based on your veterinarian’s recommended
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

• For more information on rabies, please visit gov.