Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

407-723-5429

ORLANDO, FL – As Hurricane Idalia moves through the area, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County advises residents to protect themselves against injury from displaced pets and wildlife and any animals lost, frightened, or hurt.

• Do not approach, feed or handle displaced pets or wildlife.
• Do not disturb an animal that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its young.
• If an unknown animal walks toward you, stay calm and slowly move away.

If you are bitten by an animal and emergency help is needed, go to the nearest available hospital, medical treatment area, or call 911.

If you’re bitten and not in needof immediate assistance:
• Wash your hands with soap and clean fresh water.
• Put pressure on the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
• After the bleeding has stopped, pour bottled or clean running water over the
wound and gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
• Pat dry and use an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth to cover the wound.
• Once the wound has been stabilized, seek medical assistance to ensure that no
additional treatment is needed.Report all bites to your local animal control or law enforcement to ensure rabies prevention follow-up is conducted.

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.