A
rabid raccoon
was discovered in the Days Point Road community in Isle of Wight County, raising concerns about the spread of rabies in the area.
The incident occurred when a raccoon was fatally attacked by a resident's dog, prompting authorities to conduct tests that confirmed the presence of rabies in the animal.
Following the unsettling discovery, the Isle of Wight Health Department issued a reminder to local residents regarding the importance of
pet vaccinations
. This serves as a crucial preventive measure against the potentially fatal virus.
Health officials
emphasized the need for swift action in such cases, highlighting the severe risks associated with rabies. If left untreated, the disease is known to be 100% fatal.
In light of this concerning development,
Angela Tillery
, the health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, shared valuable recommendations to safeguard the community
Quick medical intervention
is essential following any animal bite to minimize the risk of infection.
It is advised to exercise caution and avoid direct contact with
wild or stray animals
, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats, and dogs.
Ensuring that all domestic pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, are up to date with their rabies vaccinations is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.
Pet owners are urged to
contain their animals
within their property boundaries to limit exposure to potentially infected wildlife.
Moreover, securing garbage containers with sturdy lids is imperative to discourage wildlife from accessing residential areas.
If any member of the household, including pets, has been in contact with stray or wild animals in the vicinity, it is essential to promptly consult a physician or contact
local health authorities
.
For further guidance and assistance, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Isle of Wight Health Department, Isle of Wight Animal Control, or visit the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.