Rabid raccoon found in Los Angeles prompts official warning

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 17:37 · Archive

Los Angeles County has documented its first rabid raccoon in more than 50 years, with health officials issuing a warning about the dangers of exposure to humans and pets. Four people and a dog may have been exposed to the animal at a backyard work site in Westlake Village. The raccoon appeared to be in ill health but was not aggressive.

Los Angeles County's department of public health is urging residents never to touch wild animals. Officials have not reported any confirmed cases of rabies in people exposed to the raccoon at this stage.

How it is being reported

• LA officials document first case of a rabid raccoon in more than 50 yearsFour people and a dog may have been exposed to rabies from the animal, Los Angeles public health officials say Los Angeles county recently documented its first rabid raccoon in more than 50 years, and health officials are urging residents to never touch wild animals. The county’s department of public health announced in a statement this week that four people and a dog may have been exposed to the animal at a back yard work site in the city of Westlake Village. The raccoon appeared in ill-health but was not aggressive. Continue reading...Guardian World · 7 Oct, 17:16
• Sickly creature found in Los Angeles prompts official warning — marks first case in 50 yearsA rabid raccoon found in a Southern California backyard has health officials in Los Angeles County issuing a warning about the dangers of exposure to humans and pets.New York Post · 7 Oct, 00:49

In this story: Los Angeles County · Los Angeles · Westlake Village

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