A Raccoon in Staunton Tests Positive for Rabies, Officials Say
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - A raccoon found in Staunton by the Central Shenandoah Health District has tested positive for rabies, according to a recent announcement. The raccoon was discovered on Monday, December 29th, in a residential area west of Thornrose Cemetery, between Gypsy Hill Park and West Beverley Street, as per a statement from CSHD. Fortunately, there have been no reported human exposures to the raccoon, the statement added.
While the raccoon no longer poses a threat, it serves as a crucial reminder to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies and that their vaccinations remain up-to-date, said Jason Weakley, environmental health manager at CSHD. "Protecting animals from rabies safeguards both them and the people around them."
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal if not treated properly, warned CSHD. Anyone with information about potential exposure to the rabid raccoon through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva in open wounds, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth, should contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830. Exposures can also occur through direct contact between pets and the rabid animal, CSHD noted.
If bitten by a wild or stray animal, CSHD advises thoroughly washing the wound with warm, soapy water and contacting animal control, a healthcare provider, or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department.
To prevent rabies exposures, CSHD recommends the following guidelines:
- Do not feed stray animals.
- Steer clear of wild animals, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.
- Feed your pets indoors and prevent them from roaming freely.
- Ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and that their shots are current. By law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Educate children on avoiding contact with unfamiliar wild animals and pets.
- Avoid handling sick, injured, or dead animals. If you encounter a wild animal that appears ill, injured, or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (https://dwr.virginia.gov/) or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars, and porches.
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
For after-hours concerns regarding human or animal exposures, CSHD suggests contacting the Virginia Department of Health at 1-866-531-3068. More information about rabies can be found on the VDH website (https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/).
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