Third Rabies Case Confirmed in Marion County This Year

Photo of an outdoor cat for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byBansah PhotographyonUnsplash

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) has confirmed the third rabies case of 2024. This recent case, discovered in a cat in the Citra area in September, follows two previous confirmed rabies cases earlier this year in a raccoon and another cat. The earlier incidents occurred in May in the Anthony area and July in Reddick.

With three rabies cases confirmed in Marion County this year, DOH-Marion is urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to prevent further exposure. Rabies is present in wild animals throughout the region, with high-risk species including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.

If you come into contact with a wild or domestic animal that may be infected, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Rabies Cases in 2024:

• May 21, 2024: A rabid raccoon was found in the Anthony area off Northwest 100th Street.
• July 9, 2024: A rabid cat was killed in the Reddick area off Northwest 118th Street Road.
• September 10, 2024: A rabid cat was killed in the Citra area off NE 30th Court.

Precautions to Protect Yourself and Your Pets:

• Vaccinate pets and livestock in accordance with your veterinarian's schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and secure livestock on your property.
• Avoid contact with wild and stray animals. Do not handle or feed them, and secure outdoor food and trash to prevent attracting wildlife.
• Seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, and report the incident to DOH-Marion at 352-629-0137.
• Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators if you encounter wild animals in need of care.
• Prevent wildlife from entering homes or occupied spaces by securing potential entry points.

For more information on rabies prevention and current updates, visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-629-0137.