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Possible rabid raccoon found in backyard of Westlake Village home; dog, 4 workers possibly exposed
ABC7 Los Angeles • • health
Key Points:
- Los Angeles County has identified a suspected rabies case in a raccoon for the first time in over 60 years, found in a Westlake Village backyard and currently under quarantine with test results pending.
- Four people at a nearby worksite may have been exposed to the raccoon and are undergoing recommended rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, while a vaccinated dog may also have been exposed.
- The last confirmed rabid raccoon in L.A. County was in 1973, carrying a skunk variant of rabies not seen since 1979; the current raccoon's rabies variant is undetermined but likely originated from a bat.
- This year, L.A. County has recorded a record 70 rabid bats, prompting health officials to advise the public to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.
