Rabies Alert Issued In Boca Raton After Infected Bat Found

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BOCA RATON (CBSMiami/AP) — Residents in a South Florida city are suddenly on alert.

A rabies alert has been issued in Boca Raton after a bat tested positive for the dangerous disease.

The alert was issued by the state health department. Tests results last week confirmed the bat was rabid.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Saturday that this is the fifth confirmed rabid animal this year in Palm Beach County.

Authorities say residents in some Boca Raton neighborhoods should avoid contact with any wild animals, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and can be fatal to warm-blooded animals and people.

Diseased animals can also infect dogs, cats and other pets.