Okaloosa health department issues rabies alert

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has issued a 60-day rabies alert after two bats recently tested positive for rabies in the Mary Esther and Hurlburt Field areas.

The alert applies to the following areas.

Avoid all contact with wildlife and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets, Dr. Karen Chapman, the local health department's director, said.

Call Okaloosa County Animal Control, 244-0196, to remove any stray domestic animals from your neighborhood.

Anyone bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to DOH-Okaloosa, 689-7859.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department issues rabies alert