The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is closely monitoring rabies cases among wild animals in the area. The alert follows a confirmed rabies case identified in a raccoon in Port St. Lucie, specifically off S.E. Merion Court, on April 27, 2025. Authorities caution residents and visitors that rabies may currently be present within the local wild animal population.
Officials emphasize that contact with wild animals should be avoided to mitigate the risk of rabies. Species like raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes are identified as posing a higher risk for human exposure, necessitating possible post-exposure treatment. It is noted that receiving appropriate treatment after a potential exposure is critical for protection against the virus.
The public is urged to follow preventive measures to decrease the possibility of rabies exposure.
Further information about rabies can be accessed at FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies, or through contacting DOH-St. Lucie directly at 772-462-3883.
