Los Angeles County could be facing its first confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon in more than 60 years. The raccoon was recently found in a backyard in Westlake Village. The L.A. County Department of Public Health says the animal appeared sick, but was not aggressive. Four people at a nearby worksite may have been exposed and are receiving a series of recommended rabies vaccines. A dog may have also been exposed, but officials say it is up to date on its rabies vaccination. L.A. County has not confirmed a rabid raccoon since 1973. That animal had the skunk variant of rabies, which has not been detected in the county since 1979. Public health officials believe the Westlake Village raccoon was likely infected by a bat. Officials are urging residents to avoid contact with wild animals and to make sure pets are current on their rabies vaccinations at all times.
