Rabid Raccoon Found In LA County For First Time In More Than 50 Years

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA — A raccoon found in a Westlake Village-area backyard has tested positive for rabies, marking the first suspected rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County in more than 50 years, public health officials said.

The raccoon appeared sick but was not aggressive toward people, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

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Four people at a worksite may have been exposed to the animal and are receiving recommended follow-up care, including rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, officials said.

A dog that was up to date on its rabies vaccination may also have been exposed. The dog is under quarantine and doing well, according to the department.

The last confirmed rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County was detected in 1973, when a strain of rabies associated with skunks was still circulating locally. That strain has not been detected in the county since 1979.

The county's last confirmed case of rabies in an animal other than a bat was reported in 2014, when a skunk in Long Beach was found to be infected with a strain associated with bats.

Officials have not yet determined which rabies variant infected the Westlake Village raccoon. Based on rabies patterns in Los Angeles County, health officials said it is likely the raccoon contracted the virus from a bat.

Additional testing to determine the strain could take several weeks.

"The detection of rabies in a raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even when they appear healthy," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.

Davis urged residents to keep their distance from wildlife and call animal control when an animal appears sick, injured or behaves unusually.

"It is also critical to ensure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccination so they are protected before any potential exposure," Davis said. "Keeping your pets vaccinated is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your entire family."

Rabies cases in Los Angeles County have historically been linked primarily to bats, according to health officials. The number of rabid bats detected in the county has trended upward for more than a decade, with cases typically peaking in late summer.

So far this year, a record 70 rabid bats have been confirmed in Los Angeles County.

• See also: Rabid Bats Hit Record High In LA County, Public Health Warns

Public health officials are reminding residents not to touch bats or other wild animals and not to allow pets to interact with them. Even small bites that go unnoticed can transmit rabies.

Anyone bitten by a wild mammal should seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Public Health. People who may have been exposed to rabies can receive post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of vaccines that is highly effective at preventing the disease when administered promptly.

Pets bitten by wild mammals should receive veterinary care immediately, and the incident should be reported to animal control and Public Health.

Officials also urged residents to contact animal control about bats found on the ground, active during the day or unable to fly, as well as other wildlife behaving unusually. Residents should avoid leaving pet food outdoors and should keep trash containers securely covered to reduce wildlife activity around homes.

Rabies affects the central nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop in people or animals. The virus is most often transmitted through a bite or scratch or when saliva from an infected animal enters an open wound or comes into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.

Rabies is not spread through casual contact or through an infected animal's blood, urine or feces, according to health officials.