Department of Health issues rabies alert
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a rabies alert for the area surrounding Glen Harwell Road in response to a grey and white stray cat that tested positive for rabies on March 7. Two people with confirmed exposures have already begun rabies post exposure vaccination.
The rabies alert will last for 60 days and the center of the alert is at Glen Harwell Road, including the following boundaries:
• Northern: Interstate 4
• Eastern: Branch Forbes Road
• Southern: US Highway 92
• Western: Bethlehem Road
Anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of this cat is asked to report the exposure to DOH-Hillsborough.
• This incident serves as a reminder that people should stay away from “neighborhood pets” or any wild animal. Some may be tempted to feed or help the animal, but it isn’t worth the risk.
• An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, and coyotes.
• Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunizations. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect and exposed person from the disease. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets and at-risk livestock.
• Do not allow your pets to run free.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
For further information on rabies, go to http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html or call the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
Hope Lutheran celebrates 65th anniversary, hosts Teddy Bear Sunday
Last month, Hope Lutheran Church welcomed two special occasions, the first of which being their annual Teddy Bear Sunday on Feb. 13.
The annual event encourages Hope members and friends alike to bring a new Teddy Bear to church with them on each Sunday closest to Valentines Day. The bears then form a “Bear Mountain” in front of the sanctuary’s alter during the service before being tagged with a special note and donated with love.
Over the years, Hope has donated the bears to both Plant City’s Police and Fire Departments, Florida Baptist Children’s Home and several other establishments to share the bears to those in need of the comfort that a new bear can provide. This year, Hope is excited to donate their bears to Lots of Hugs Summer camp operated by Plant City Black Heritage Foundation.
“These bears are given out of love by Hope members who are excited to share their love of Jesus,” team leader Sandy Howell said. “As Lots of Hugs meets each summer at Hope, we are thrilled to share these with the campers this year.”
Later in the month, on Feb. 27, the members of Hope gathers for a special 65th anniversary worship in their new sanctuary. The congregation welcomed Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton, President of the Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, who preached their anniversary message.
Hope’s pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, assisted by Rev. Ron Pennekamp, a member of Hope and retired LCMS pastor, led the worship along the congregation’s anniversary theme, Hope at 65- Immeasurably More than ever Imagined.