YORKTOWN, Va. – A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the area of Old Dominion Road and Cockletown Road in Yorktown Tuesday.
Anyone who has any information regarding exposure to the animal – whether via bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose or mouth – is asked to contact the Health Department at Peninsula Health District- Newport News Environmental Health, (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid-1980s.
The district is reminding residents to follow four important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises
- Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property