Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County's (DOH-Charlotte) Epidemiology Program works closely with Charlotte County Animal Control to investigate animal exposures in Charlotte County, Florida, that may result in rabies infection.

With the assistance of Animal Control, suspected rabid animals are quarantined and/or sent for laboratory testing to determine if they may have transmitted rabies to a human or pet through a bite or scratch.  

DOH-Charlotte also consults with patients, physicians, and veterinarians regarding the current recommendations for treating a rabies exposure.

If you think you have been exposed to rabies, contact you health care provider immediately. For inquiries regarding rabies exposure, call DOH-Charlotte.

Rabies is a preventable, viral disease of mammals typically tansmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

In Florida, it is most commonly found in raccoons, bats, and foxes, which can pass the virus to unvaccinated pets and people.

To prevent exposure to rabies, avoid direct contact with wildlife, don't feed wildlife, vaccinate your pets for rabies, and supervise pets and children outdoors.

Pre-Exposure to Rabies

DOH-Charlotte offers pre-exposure immunization to individuals who may be at higher risk of being around an animal with rabies.

This includes individuals who: 

• Work directly with animals that could have rabies (veterinary medicine providers, animal rehabilitators, animal control officers, etc.).
• Travel internationally to areas where rabies is common and access to medical care may be limited.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccine is a two-dose series and must be fully administered at least two weeks prior to travel.

Post-Exposure to Rabies

If you have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to an animal that has or is suspected to have rabies, please go to the nearest emergency room for wound care and prophylaxis. 

The health care provider has the responsibility to determine whether rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is required, to counsel you on the risks and benefits of PEP, and to initiate PEP as appropriate and available.  

Rabies PEP must be initiated in the emergency department. Individuals who have initiated PEP at an emergency department, may continue PEP with DOH-Charlotte. Please call DOH-Charlotte to schedule your remaining PEP.

Health care providers must report all animal bites in Charlotte County, Florida, to DOH-Charlotte regardless of treatment provided.  

For more information rabout rabies, visit Florida Department of Health's Rabies webpage.