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The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) announced Thursday that a raccoon found in Rockbridge County in February had tested positive for the rabies virus.
The raccoon was found in the areas of Vallance Way, Village Way, Spencer Court and Greenhouse Road.
The raccoon no longer poses a threat to the public, but CSHD wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal in the days leading up to Feb. 21 (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should call the Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department at (540) 463-3185. Exposures also include direct contact between pets and the rabid animal.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is almost always fatal, unless preventive treatment is administered before symptoms develop.
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Rabies Control page at vdh.virginia. gov/animal-contact-humanhealth/ rabies-control/.
CSHD would like to remind all citizens to follow these important rabies prevention 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: do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.
