The Peninsula Health District is warning residents a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus in a neighborhood just off Route 17 in York County.
Residents near Old Dominion and Cockletown roads are being notified of the positive test by the health district, according to a news release.
Rabies is fatal if left untreated, but can be prevented with early detection. It can be spread by scratches or bites from an infected animal, as well as the animal’s saliva coming into contact with the mouth, eyes or open wounds, health district officials said.
Anyone who may have had contact with the raccoon is urged to contact the Health Department at Peninsula Health District- Newport News Environmental Health, at 757-594-7340. York County Animal Control can be reached after hours at 757-890-3601.
To prevent the spread of rabies, the health district advises vaccinating pets, reporting exposure to rabid animals, and keeping a distance from wild animals.
The Environmental Health Services will be contacting area residents and civic and homeowners associations.
