NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A sick raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Norfolk.
City officials say a resident handed over the raccoon to a wildlife rehabilitator on July 10. The animal then became progressively sicker over the next week and had to be euthanized. They didn’t specify where exactly the raccoon was found.
Officials say there have been no known animal to human exposures.
“Rabies is a deadly virus and area residents are reminded not to handle, touch, or take in stray or wild animals,” said Norman Grefe, environmental health manager.
Be sure to keep these things in mind to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:
- Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Keep pets confined to home and yard.
- Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
- Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.
- Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.
- Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
- Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.