ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) -- After a raccoon and otter tested positive for rabies, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) issued a rabies alert in St. Lucie County.

Health officials said the alert comes after confirming rabies in a raccoon and an otter in separate incidents on November 5. FDOH-St. Lucie says it's actively monitoring rabies cases among wild animals in these areas, and informing residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the local wildlife population.

Rabies is a fatal disease affecting the nervous system of warm-blooded animals and humans, FDOH stated. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Quick treatment following exposure can protect an individual from the disease, FDOH said.

The Department of Health compiled a list of areas that were potentially affected by the sick animals.

The first rabies alert centers around Cypress Street in the River Park area, FDOH says the boundaries are as follows:

FDOH said the second rabies alert is in rural St. Lucie County, within these boundaries:

These alerts are effective for 60 days from the date of the incidents, according to FDOH, and precautions to prevent rabies exposure were provided.

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FDOH provided several ways residents can ensure that they and their loved ones are safe:

For more information on rabies, visit the FDOH website or call DOH-St. Lucie at 772-462-3883.