The suspected rabid raccoon in Westlake Village poses a public health risk due to potential exposure to humans and pets.

First Suspected Rabid Raccoon Case in LA County Since 1973 Under Investigation #LosAngelesCounty #PublicHealth #Rabies #Racoon #WestlakeVillage https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CALACOUNTY/bulletins/42e1681

Oh, crap -- Westlake Village, suspected rabid raccoon. (head's up also Ventura County). First Suspected Rabid Raccoon Case in LA County Since 1973 Under Investigation Public Health reminds everyone to never touch wild animals and ensure pets are up to date on vaccines The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a rabies-positive raccoon found in the Westlake Village area of Los Angeles County. The raccoon was encountered in a backyard and reportedly appeared sick but not aggressive towards people. One dog that was up to date on rabies vaccine may have been exposed to the raccoon, is under quarantine and is currently doing well. Four people at a worksite may have been exposed to the raccoon and are receiving recommended follow-up for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. The last known confirmed rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County was detected in 1973, when the skunk variant (strain) of rabies was still present in the County. That strain has not been detected in LA County since 1979. The last non-bat animal confirmed to have rabies in Los Angeles County was a skunk infected with the bat variant of rabies in Long Beach in 2014. The rabies variant this raccoon was infected with has not yet been determined. Variant typing is important for understanding the likely source of the infection. Based on current knowledge of rabies occurrence in Los Angeles County, it is likely this raccoon was infected with rabies from a bat. However, Public Health is awaiting subsequent variant testing, which can take several weeks. Rabies remains a public health concern worldwide. Although it is preventable, it causes tens of thousands of human deaths globally each year, with most human cases linked to exposure to dogs in countries where the dog strain of rabies is still present. While the dog strain of rabies was eradicated in the United States through routine vaccination of pets, other strains of rabies continue to circulate in wildlife, including bats. All strains can infect any mammal and cause disease. “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,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and contact your local animal control if you encounter an animal that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually. It is also critical to ensure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccination so they are protected before any potential exposure. Keeping your pets vaccinated is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your entire family.” #rabies #WestlakeVillage #LosAngelesCounty #LACounty #publichealth #ThousandOaks