The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is warning residents and visitors to protect themselves from wild and stray animals after three people in Escambia County were bitten by raccoons. Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system and without proper treatment can cause brain infection and death. Rabies can be transmitted by a bite or scratch or by contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. In Florida, raccoons, foxes, bats and cats are most frequently diagnosed with rabies.