Rabies-infected raccoon in LA County prompts health warning

Key Points:

• A rabid raccoon was found in a Westlake Village backyard, marking the first case of a rabid raccoon in Los Angeles County in over 50 years, prompting health officials to issue warnings about rabies exposure.
• Four people at a nearby worksite potentially exposed to the raccoon are receiving post-exposure prophylaxis, and a vaccinated dog exposed to the animal was quarantined and is reported to be fine.
• Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the brain and nervous system, typically spread through bites or saliva contact, and the raccoon’s infection is suspected to have originated from a bat, with variant testing ongoing.
• Los Angeles County has seen a record number of rabid bat cases in 2026, with bats found in both urban and suburban areas, increasing the risk of rabies exposure to humans and pets.
• Officials emphasize avoiding contact with wild animals, vaccinating pets, and seeking immediate medical or veterinary care if bitten or exposed to potentially rabid animals, as rabies is preventable with prompt treatment.