For Immediate Release
LEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
3920
Michigan Avenue
Fort
Myers, Florida 33916
Date:
20 February, 2002
Contact: Judith Hartner, M.D., M.P.H., 332-9510
PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
Dr.
Judith Hartner, Director of the Lee county Health Department, today issued a
Public Health Alert for the Gladiolus area of Fort Myers.
The area under alert encompasses Gladiolus Drive east to Route 41, west
to McGregor Boulevard, north to College Parkway and south to Estero Bay.
The basis
of the action follows:
Seven unprovoked raccoon attacks on humans have occurred since the last week of January in and around the Gladiolus Drive area of Lee County.
Five of these attacks have occurred since Monday, the eleventh of February.
A positive case of rabies in a raccoon was confirmed in January in the Lexington area off Gladiolus Drive.
Three raccoons are currently being
tested for rabies at the State Laboratory in Tampa.
Residents
in the affected area are encouraged to avoid any contact with wild
animals. If anyone is bitten or
scratched by a wild animal, they should immediately contact the health
department and Lee County Animal Control immediately at 432-2083.
Members of the community should check that their pets are
up to date on rabies vaccinations (dogs, cats, ferrets). Do not feed or water your pet outside. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.
Keep animals on a leash and do not feed wild animals.
Health
Department personnel are available for interview and further information if
needed. Please call 332-9510.