A second rabid raccoon has been discovered in Los Angeles County, creating an unsettling early Halloween warning just weeks after the area recorded its first infected raccoon in more than 50 years.
The latest rabies-positive raccoon was found Thursday in a Westlake Village backyard, fewer than three weeks after the county’s first confirmed raccoon case in more than half a century.
That first animal was located earlier this month in a different backyard in the same community. Although it appeared ill, the raccoon did not act aggressively toward people, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Officials said the newly discovered raccoon appeared to be both sick and aggressive.
No residents or pets are known to have come into contact with the animal. However, two people at a nearby worksite may have been exposed and are receiving recommended follow-up for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which involves a series of vaccines given promptly after possible exposure.
Public health workers went door to door in the neighborhood Thursday to notify residents and provide guidance on staying safe, the city of Westlake Village said in an Instagram post.
Laboratory testing showed that the first raccoon had a rabies strain commonly associated with bats. Test results for the second raccoon have not yet been released.
The unusual raccoon cases come as rabies detections in bats continue to rise across Los Angeles County, where the disease has traditionally been found most often in the flying mammals.
“Peak season typically occurs in late summer, but bats with rabies can be found year-round. So far this year, there has been a record-breaking 77 rabid bats confirmed in Los Angeles County,” county officials said.
Rabies kills tens of thousands of people around the world each year, county health officials said.
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Residents are being advised to avoid wild animals, including those that seem friendly, harmless or in need of assistance.
“The detection of rabies in another raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even when they appear unhealthy,” Muntu Davis, the county’s health officer, said in a statement.
“Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and contact your local animal control if you encounter an animal that appears to be sick, injured, or behaving unusually. It is also critical to ensure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccination so they are protected before any potential exposure.”
Westlake Village officials emphasized that although these incidents remain uncommon, people should continue to pay attention and use caution.
“While no residents have been exposed, we ask our community to stay informed, aware, and cautious when interacting with wildlife,” the city said.
After symptoms such as fever, confusion, agitation and trouble swallowing appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Anyone bitten by a wild animal should seek immediate medical attention and notify a public health agency, officials said. Rabies can be prevented when post-exposure treatment is given promptly.
Pets that are bitten by wild animals should be taken to a veterinarian immediately, and the incident should also be reported to animal control.
