Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department is investigating a reported attack by a wild animal on a twelve year old male.  The incident allegedly occurred between the 3700 and 5100 blocks of SW 13^th Street (US HWY 441 South) in the early evening hours of Tuesday, November 17, 2009.  The report alleges that the victim was attacked while riding his bicycle and then defended himself by killing the animal with a brick.

The Health Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this or any other similar event along SW 13 Street to contact the Anthony Dennis at the Alachua County Health Department at 352-258-0257.

"We are concerned about the potential for rabies transmission to the victim" stated Anthony Dennis, Environmental Health Director.  "A dead coyote was found in the vicinity of the alleged attack and test results were unsatisfactory."

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of an infected mammal.  If not treated promptly, it almost always results in death.

The goal of the Alachua County Health Department is to promote, protect, maintain and improve the health and safety of all citizens and visitors.