Health officials in Florida have issued a rabies alert for a section in the southwest of Miami-Dade County following a positive test result for the disease in a horse. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County confirmed the case on Wednesday and stated that they are actively monitoring the presence of the virus among local wildlife, according to WSVN.
The infected horse was located in an unincorporated area near State Road 997 (Krome Avenue). The alert will remain in effect for 60 days, warning that rabies is present in wild animals in the area. The affected region is bordered by Southwest 128th Street to the north, 161st Street to the south, 177th Avenue to the east, and 197th Avenue to the west.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and coyotes. Pet owners are advised to vaccinate their animals, keep them secure, and report any potential exposure. Additionally, anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should seek immediate medical attention and contact health authorities.
Residents are reminded to contact the Miami-Dade Department of Health at 305-470-5660 or the County's Animal Services by dialing 311 to report any suspected rabies exposure or to address concerns.
In January 2018, a tragic incident shook Florida when a six-year-old boy died after contracting rabies from a bat scratch. The child, identified as Ryker Roque, was treated with an experimental protocol at an Orlando hospital but unfortunately did not survive. The incident occurred after the boy's father found a sick bat and, despite warning his son not to touch it, the child put his hand in the bucket with the animal, leading to the infection.
This was one of the rare occasions in the United States where the Milwaukee Protocol was applied, a treatment that, up to that point, had only saved a very limited number of people worldwide.
Later, in August of the same year, Miami-Dade County health authorities issued a rabies alert for the western area of Kendall following the confirmation that three raccoons had tested positive for the disease. The health warning lasted 60 days, and residents were encouraged to keep their pets vaccinated, avoid contact with wild animals, and report any potential exposure.
This outbreak marked the third confirmed rabies case in animals within the county that year, highlighting the continued public health risk of rabies in South Florida. Two months later, in October 2018, another case raised alarms in the Miami metropolitan area when a cat tested positive for rabies, prompting a new alert in the county's southwest region. Concern centered on the potential spread of the virus among both wild and domestic animals. Authorities reiterated the importance of vaccinating pets and avoiding interaction with wild specimens, particularly raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, which are primary carriers of the virus in the area.
Rabies Outbreak and Safety Measures in Miami-Dade
What should residents do to protect themselves from rabies?
Residents should avoid contact with wild animals, ensure their pets are vaccinated, and report any potential exposure to health authorities. Immediate medical attention is necessary if bitten or scratched by an animal.
How long will the rabies alert in Miami-Dade County last?
The rabies alert issued for Miami-Dade County will be in effect for 60 days.
What areas are affected by the rabies alert in Miami-Dade?
The rabies alert applies to the area bordered by Southwest 128th Street to the north, 161st Street to the south, 177th Avenue to the east, and 197th Avenue to the west.