Rabid Raccoon Found in Westlake Village

A raccoon found in a Westlake Village backyard tested positive for rabies, Los Angeles County officials said, marking the county’s first reported rabid raccoon since 1973. Four people at a nearby worksite may have been exposed and are receiving recommended follow-up care, while a dog that may also have encountered the animal is under quarantine. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced the case on October 5. The raccoon appeared sick but was not aggressive toward people, according to the department. Officials have not reported any confirmed infection among the people or the dog. The dog was current on its rabies vaccination and was reported to be doing well, officials said. The four workers are receiving follow-up for possible exposure, including recommended rabies post-exposure care. The department has not provided further information about the nature of any contact. The rabies variant that infected the raccoon has not been identified. Health officials suspect it may have contracted the virus from a bat, based on the pattern of rabies in the county, but testing is pending and could take several weeks. The suspected source is not confirmed.