NORFOLK, Va. – A raccoon in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies.
Officials say the raccoon was picked up along the 400 block of Rhode Island Avenue in the Colonial Place neighborhood on August 20.
It was subsequently euthanized and sent to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond for testing, which reported the positive result on August 24.
Officials say if you have been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
All animal bites and scratches should be reported to the local health department.
Rabies is a fatal disease, but preventable if treatment is begun early and completed.
Exposure incidents should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of 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 the risk of rabies exposure:
- Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations
- Keep pets confined to home and yard
- Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals
- Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals
- Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches
- Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387
For further information, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
