Rabies Prevention

Persons who have experienced an animal bite should:

• Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and running water for five to ten minutes.
• Try to get a complete description of the animal and determine where it is so that animal control can pick it up for quarantine or rabies testing.
• Go to your family doctor or the nearest emergency room immediately. When medical treatment is received for an animal bite, the doctor or emergency room staff will report the incident to Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) Disease Control staff at 352-771-5500.

If you kill the animal, be careful not to damage the head and avoid further contact with the animal even though it is dead.

If you have been bitten by an animal or have additional questions about animal bites, please visit DOH-Lake, Environmental Health Services.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment to prevent rabies may be recommended if the animal cannot be located and tested or if the animal is tested and found to be rabid. Vaccinations must be given on 4 different days within a 14 day period and based on a specific dosing schedule. 

Anyone receiving treatment for Rabies through DOH-Lake will be screened by our Eligibility Department to determine qualification for any assistance programs regardless of insurance status. To be screened, make sure to bring the following:

• Identification
• Proof of income
  • Pay check stub
  • Unemployment Statement
  • Self Employment Log Book
  • Child Support
  • Social Security
  • Bank Statement
• Proof of residency
• Social Security Card

Anyone not completing eligibility and submitting required documentation will be responsible for the cost of the treatment, which may exceed $1,000.