A third case of rabies has been confirmed in Houston County, Alabama, raising public health concerns in the area. The Houston County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health announced this development on March 15, 2025. The latest case involves a raccoon that tested positive for the disease after engaging in a confrontation with a resident’s dog on Quail Drive, located south of Dothan.
Fortunately, the county health department reported no known human exposure to the rabies virus in this incident. Additionally, the dog involved was vaccinated against rabies, providing a layer of protection for both the animal and its owner.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
Following the confirmation of this case, health officials are urging residents to exercise caution. Parents are advised to instruct their children not to pet or play with wild or stray animals. Should an individual be bitten by an animal, it is crucial to wash the wound with soap and water immediately, seek medical attention, and report the incident to local health or animal control authorities.
Under Alabama state law, all dogs and cats aged three months and older are required to be vaccinated against rabies. This regulation aims to protect both pets and the wider community from potential outbreaks of the disease.
This confirmation follows previous rabies cases in Houston County, including an incident where a bat found dead on Elm Street tested positive for the virus. Although there were no additional infections linked to that case, the recurring nature of these incidents highlights the importance of vigilance in rabies prevention.
Residents are encouraged to remain informed and to take preventative actions to safeguard their health and the health of their pets. The Houston County Health Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
For those who wish to stay updated on local news and health alerts, downloading the WTVY News4 app can be beneficial, as it provides immediate notifications on significant developments in the area.