|
|
NEWS RELEASE: July 31, 2002 |
RABIES ALERT ISSUED: OCEAN REEF PARK ON SINGER ISLAND
WILL BE CLOSED DUE TO RABID STRAY WILD CAT
RIVIERA BEACH, FL—A Rabies Alert has been issued by the Palm
Beach County Health Department following another attack by a rabid animal.
>>Area
Map<< The alert covers the following areas: south to Lantana Road, west to Highway
441, north to Lake Worth Road, and then to Flying Cow Road to Seminole Pratt
Road and then north to Beeline Highway. The eastern boundary is the Atlantic
Ocean and the northern boundary is the Martin County line.
This alert is the result of a confirmed case of rabies in a
stray wild cat, which occurred Sunday at Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island in
Riviera Beach. A woman was attacked and bitten while trying to rescue the
cat. She will receive a series of shots. The Health Department requests that
anyone who had direct contact with any animals in the park after July 1 to
call the department at 840-4564.
To assure the health and safety of County residents, Ocean
Reef Park will be closed through Friday, re-opening Saturday, August 3rd.
County officials have secured the park during this time.
The latest case brings the number of human exposures to six,
the total rabid animals to 22. 2001 had a total of 14 rabid animals, which
makes this year one of the largest since the 1950’s. Dr. Jean Malecki,
Health Department Director, continues to warn residents about feeding or
handling wildlife, and other stray animals.
Securing garbage cans and other containers around the house
can also help eliminate food sources and reduce the risk of non-domestic
animals being around humans.
The 22 confirmed animal rabies cases have been found from
Boca Raton to Jupiter; 90% are in the area where the rabies alert has been
declared.
Domestic animals, dogs and cats, over four months of age are
required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies license
tag. Shots can be obtained through a veterinarian or by calling Animal Care
and Control at 561 233-1272.
|
|
|
|
