California IN BRIEF : DEATH VALLEY : Rabies Warning Issued at Monument

Visitors to Death Valley National Monument have been warned to stay away from wild animals because of the danger of rabies. State Health Director Kenneth Kizer said visitors to the monument after Oct. 9 may have been infected with rabies if they came in contact with infected foxes, coyotes, bats and other meat-eating wild or domestic animals. “One person has been bitten by a rabid fox at Stovepipe Wells,” Kizer said. “Other foxes from the monument are being tested to determine if they are also infected.” Pets left outside at night could be bitten by a rabies-infected animal and can incubate the disease for six months or longer. People who suspect they or their pet have been infected should contact local health officials, Kizer said. Infected dogs and cats with current vaccinations must be revaccinated and quarantined for 30 days. Pets without vaccinations must be quarantined for 6 months or destroyed.