FL Department of Health issues rabies alert for Wesconnett area in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County has issued a rabies alert for the Wesconnett area of Duval County. The alert is in effect through Apr. 30, 2023.

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The rabies alert area is bordered on the south by Lacy Jane Way and Vivera Lane, on the north by Robert Gordon Road and Princess Lane, on the west by Judy Drive and Nancy Drive, and east by the St. Johns River.

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The alert follows discovery of a rabid raccoon in the Wesconnett area of Duval County. As a precaution, pet owners should maintain control of their pets at all times and be certain that each has received current rabies immunization shots from a licensed veterinarian.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

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

Rabies Alert Boundaries

• North – Robert Gordon Road and Princess Lane
• South- Lacy Jane Way and Vivera Lane
• East – St. Johns River
• West – Judy Drive and Nancy Drive