JENSEN BEACH, Florida/February 8, 2008 - With the approach of Spring, Physicians Immediate Care, one of the region's premier providers of ambulatory and urgent health care, is urging area residents to protect themselves from exposure to rabid animals. According to Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., Physicians Immediate Care, residents should be aware that now into summer is the time to be on alert for wild animals acting strangely. "Our year round outdoor weather makes it more likely someone is going to come into contact with a rabid animal," said Dr. Palestrant. There already have been several cases of rabid raccoons reported on the Treasure Coast. "If you see an animal, such as a nocturnal animal like a raccoon, out in broad daylight acting strangely, you should avoid it and contact Animal Control immediately," added Dr. Palestrant.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in the United States Raccoons are the most common wild animals infected with rabies. Skunks, foxes, bats, and coyotes are the other most frequently affected. Bats are the most common animals responsible for the transmission of human rabies in the United States, accounting for more than half of human cases since 1980, and 74 percent since 1990. Rabid bats have been reported in all states except Hawaii. Cats are the most common domestic animals with rabies in the United States. Dogs are the most common domestic rabid animals worldwide.

"The most common way people are exposed to rabies is through the bite of an animal," said Dr. Palestrant. "In rarer instances, exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal may also mean you should receive rabies treatment," added Dr. Palestrant.

If you suspect you have come into contact with a rabid animal or bat, you should seek medical assistance immediately. "It is better to err on the side of caution. Left untreated, rabies is a fatal disease," concluded Dr. Palestrant.

To find out information about the number of rabid animals reported in your county, you may contact your local Health Department or view the information via the Center for Disease Control's web site at www.cdc.gov.

Physicians Immediate Care measures its success through patient satisfaction and extraordinary care. Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug testing. Physicians Immediate Care provides a convenient, cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from their original facilities at 1900 SE Port Saint Lucie Boulevard and at 4007 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard in the Paar Center. For additional information call (772) 398-1588.

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