Lord Fairfax Health District warns residents of rabies risk

On June 22, 2019, a raccoon was believed to have been in an altercation with two dogs, in a rural area near Stoneburner Road (Rte 681) between Edinburg and Columbia Furnace in Shenandoah County. The raccoon was found dead by the dogs’ owners. It tested positive for rabies, according to the Lord Fairfax Health District.

“This raccoon no longer poses a threat, and the event occurred in a relatively remote area,” stated Lord Fairfax Health District Director Dr. Colin Greene, “however, it should serve as a reminder that any contact with a raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat that could result in exposure to the animal’s saliva, should be considered a potential rabies exposure. This applies to humans and domestic animals, and anyone exposed should receive an immediate medical evaluation.

The Health Department further advises:

• Never approach or touch wild animals, especially any raccoon, fox, skunk or bat, especially if it is behaving oddly or if it is seen in the daylight. These animals are the main carriers of rabies in the eastern United States.

• Avoid stray cats and dogs. Feral or unknown cats and dogs may also carry rabies. Report bites or scratches from these animals to your physician or the health department.

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies (even if they don’t go outdoors) and keep their shots up to date. Vaccinate working barn cats as well, for their protection and yours.

• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs. Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.

• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.

• If one of your domestic animals is bitten or otherwise interacts with a wild animal, notify the local health department and animal control officer at once, and have the animal seen by a veterinarian.

If you are bitten, scratched, or licked by any of these animals, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is fatal to both animals and humans once symptoms begin, but it can be prevented in humans if they receive vaccine and medication soon after exposure.

Finally, if in doubt, or if you have a question, call the Shenandoah County Health Department at 540-459-3733.

Additional information on rabies is available from the Virginia Department of Health at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/.