A third case of rabies has been confirmed in Houston County, Alabama, in 2025. The Houston County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health announced their findings on Friday. This latest incident involved a raccoon that tested positive for the disease after an encounter with a resident’s dog on Quail Drive, situated south of Dothan.
Fortunately, the health department reported no known human exposure associated with this case, and the involved dog had been vaccinated against rabies. This confirmation comes on the heels of another rabies case earlier this year, where a bat found dead on a porch on Elm Street also tested positive for the virus.
Precautionary Measures Issued for Residents
In light of these recent confirmations, officials are urging residents to take several precautionary measures to minimize the risk of further incidents. Parents are advised to instruct their children not to interact with wild or stray animals. Should an individual be bitten by an animal, it is crucial to wash the wound with soap and water, seek immediate medical attention, and report the bite to the health department or local animal control.
Alabama state law mandates that all dogs and cats aged three months and older must be vaccinated against rabies. This regulation is essential for protecting both pets and the wider community from potential outbreaks.
The Houston County Health Department remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and encourages residents to stay informed about rabies and other health threats. For ongoing updates, community members can download the WTVY News4 app, which provides alerts and stories as they are published, ensuring timely access to important health information.
