Raccoon tests positve for rabies in Chapel Hill - WRAL

A file photo of a rabies pamphlet on how to protect yourself. By WRAL Staff const body = document.getElementsByClassName("article-body"), smallFontButton = document.getElementById("small-font-button"), mediumFontButton = document.getElementById("medium-font-button"), largeFontButton = document.getElementById("large-font-button"); smallFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.add("small-font"), body.classList.remove("medium-font"), body.classList.remove("large-font") }), mediumFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.remove("small-font"), body.classList.add("medium-font"), body.classList.remove("large-font") }), largeFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.remove("small-font"), body.classList.remove("medium-font"), body.classList.add("large-font") }) Orange County Animal Services said a raccoon tested positive for rabies. Officials said two dogs were having an altercation with a raccoon on Saturday, May 23, near East Franklin Street and Glendale Drive in Chapel Hill. According to OCAS, animal control officials responded and retrieved the raccoon for rabies testing. OCAS reminds residents that it is important to keep a safe distance when spotting active wildlife during the day and night, and it is essential for community health. “While wild animals are a common sight, rabies remains a serious viral infection that requires immediate medical attention. Because the virus is fatal without prompt care, understanding exposure risks and taking proactive preventive measures is critical to keeping families and neighborhoods safe,” OCAS officials said in part in a media release. Earlier this month, two people were bitten by a fox in Chapel Hill. It is unclear if that fox had rabies or not. WRAL News also reported two other incidents with rabid animals just last month. On April 7, a cat that tested positive for rabies bit a person on Holiday Park Road in Hillsborough. A dog was also bitten by a raccoon with rabies on April 4 near Dixie Lane in Chapel Hill. Officials urge all pet owners to make sure their pets stay up to date on their current rabies vaccinations. Owners can reach out to their veterinarians or the Orange County Animal Services for more information on vaccine guidance. Rabies is a fatal, viral infection that is transmitted to animals and people. Animal Control urged people to be cautious while interacting with wildlife or unfamiliar animals when they're outside. An animal may have rabies if it shows the following symptoms: Rabies spreads to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches or direct contact with mucosa from the eyes, mouth or open wounds. All mammals are capable of being infected with and transmitting rabies. Rabies is commonly found in raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Bats are a host species for the virus around North Carolina and other areas, and most cases of rabies in humans have been traced to the animal. While wild animals may be active during daylight hours for a variety of reasons, simply seeing one during the day does not mean the animal is sick or infected with rabies. However, the Orange County Animal Services said people should keep their distance and avoid approaching wild animals. If a rabies suspect animal is alive, do not attempt to capture the animal. Keep visual contact with the animal until an Animal Control officer arrives.  In people, a disease expert from the county health department evaluates the risk of rabies exposure to humans. A decision about post-exposure prophylaxis that protects people from rabies is then based on an assessment of all factors involved in the situation. When it comes to pets, if there is a "reasonable suspicion of exposure," a dog, cat or ferret with a valid rabies vaccination history must receive a booster shot within 96 hours (4 days). By law in North Carolina, dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months must have a current and valid rabies vaccination at all times. If an unvaccinated dog or cat is believed to have a resonable suspicious of exposure, it must either be euthanized or quarantined for up to four months or six months for a ferret. For more information on rabies in North Carolina, the county recommends visiting the North Carolina Health and Human Services website.