YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in York County, according to the Peninsula Health District. The rabid animal was found near Catherine Court in Seaford.
Exposure includes a bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound, eyes, nose or mouth. It can also be through direct contact between a pet and a rabid animal, which is why district health officials advise citizens to vaccinate their pets.
The Peninsula Health District also instructs citizens to report all exposure to their doctors and the local health department. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health strongly urges citizens to avoid feeding wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes or other animals.
Rabies can be fatal, therefore anyone who has been exposed to this animal should contact the Peninsula Health District or the Newport News Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.