Norfolk, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health reports that a raccoon found in 200 block of East 41st Street in the city’s Riverview community has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was killed by a pet dog.
There were no human exposures. The raccoon was sent for testing to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond and tested positive for rabies on Tuesday.
It is important to note that in the event of any exposure, all animal bites should be reported immediately to local health departments.
Incidents occurring in the City of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division at the Norfolk Department of Public Health, at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
The following precautions are recommended to reduce rabies exposure:
- Warn adults and children not to approach or feed animals not belonging to them and to report any animal bites or scratches.
- Do not handle or touch stray or wild animals.
- Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Keep pets confined to the home and yard.
- Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
- Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
- Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
