NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus in the area of the 500 block of Lucas Creek Road in Newport News, according to The Peninsula Health District.
Residents who may have been exposed to the animal, through contact such as a bite, scratch or contact with saliva are asked to contact the Health Department.
If your pet has come in contact with the rabid animal, the Health Department would like to be notified as well.
Rabies can be fatal, but it’s preventable. Health officials remind citizens to follow these guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
- Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.
