NEWPORT NEWS — The Peninsula Health District notified residents in the area of Catherine Court in Seaford, York County, that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus.
Anyone with information regarding any exposure to this animal, including a bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth, should contact the Peninsula Health District — Newport News Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.
Exposures also include direct contact between a pet and the rabid animal. After hours, contact local Animal Control, Newport News, at 757-933-8950.
Residents are cautioned that rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid-1980s. The local Environmental Health Services office will be contacting immediate neighbors, as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.
The Peninsula Health District reminds all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:
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- Vaccinate pets
- Report all exposures to animals (typically bites and scratches) to your 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 your premises.
