ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( DC News Now ) — A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Alexandria last week, and the Alexandria Health Department is advising residents to stay alert.
On Oct. 23, the raccoon got into someone’s backyard in the Taylor Run neighborhood and went up to a dog in the yard.
Raccoon in College Park tests positive for rabies, health officials say
According to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), the raccoon is now dead and the dog is in confinement.
AWLA said the evidence does not show that any animals in the nearby area have rabies.
Residents are being reminded to stay on alert and follow these tips to avoid catching rabies:
- Do not approach any wild, feral or stray animals even if they appear friendly or injured.
- Make sure dogs and cats are up to date on vaccinations.
- Keep dogs leashed at all times in public areas and parks.
Rabies is preventable but can be spread through saliva from a bite or scratch from an infected animal, AWLA said.
Rabies symptoms may include: