POQUOSON — The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts are notifying Poquoson residents that a raccoon found on Jefferson Court has tested positive for the rabies virus.
Anyone having information regarding exposure to the animal, including a bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose or mouth, should contact the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Newport News Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.
Exposure also includes direct contact between a pet and the rabid animal. After hours, contact the local Animal Control at 757-595-7387.
The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts caution rabies is fatal, but preventable. Its local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.
The district reminds residents to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate pets.
- Report all exposures to animals — usually bites and scratches — to a doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance — don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit the neighborhood.
