Rabies alert issued in Deltona: Urgent precautions advised

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) has declared a rabies alert for a specific area of Deltona following a confirmed case of rabies in a kitten on October 31, 2023. Exposure to rabies can pose a risk to domestic animals that are not vaccinated.

The alert encompasses a designated zone within Deltona and will remain in effect for 60 days. The epicenter of the alert is around the intersection of Fort Smith and India Boulevards, bounded by Prescott Boulevard to the east, Newmark Drive to the north, Doyle Road to the south, and Saxon Boulevard to the west.

Health officials caution that the rabies alert aims to heighten awareness among the public about the active threat of rabies in the area. However, it is crucial for individuals not to develop a false sense of security in areas outside the designated alert zone.

Rabies, a disease affecting the nervous system, is fatal to warm-blooded animals, including humans. In light of this, the Florida Department of Health advises the following precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• Ensure all pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Supervise pets closely to prevent contact with wild animals, and should a pet be bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
• Contact local animal control agencies to handle stray animals in the neighborhood.
• Avoid handling or attracting wild animals by securing garbage cans and litter.
• Refrain from adopting or bringing wild animals into homes.
• Educate children to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, whether wild or domestic.
• Prevent bats from entering living areas where they might come into contact with humans or pets.

Moreover, individuals who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County at (386) 274-0634.

For comprehensive information regarding rabies and its precautions, visit Rabies | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov).