By: WCTV Eyewitness News

February 19, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- The Florida Department of Health in Leon County has issued an extension of the rabies alert for western Tallahassee that was

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The alert areas include territory bordered on the north by I-10, the west and south by Capital Circle SW, and the east by Monroe Street. Health officials added that rabies activity can also occur outside the alert area.

The extension was issued after a raccoon tested positive for rabies on February 8. Officials also received a report about an aggressive raccoon on February 18.

The rabies alert will expire April 20, unless additional cases of rabies are reported.

Health officials say people in Leon County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated.

Rabies is a nervous system disease and is fatal to animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure is rabies specific-immune globulin and rabies immunization. Treatment started soon after exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

For more information, including how to protect yourself and family pets, visit

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