ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Health officials in Roanoke City announced that a case of rabies has been found in a local raccoon.
The rabid animal was found near Melrose Avenue NW and Viewmont Street NW and was collected by the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) on August 11.
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the positive test. The RCAHD says to contact its Environmental Health Division or Roanoke City Animal Control if you or an animal may have been in contact with this raccoon. The phone number is (540) 204-9764.
Rabies: A closer look at the ‘deadliest disease’
Here’s how to keep yourself safe:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured, or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars, and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animals control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
- If bitten by a wild or stray animal, health officials say to wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water. Then contact animal control, your doctor, or local health department for further recommendations.
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