ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. — The Isle of Wight Health Department is reminding people to have their pets vaccinated, after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.
The test results came after a dog killed a raccoon in the Days Point Road area of Isle of Wight. Health officials said the dog was currently vaccinated against rabies and will receive a booster vaccination. The dog will also be under a 45-day observation period.
Health officials said human exposure to rabies happens when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as an animal bite.
Rabies is 100% fatal, if left untreated.
To protect people and pets from rabies, Angela Tillery, the health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, shared several recommendations:
- Quickly seek medical treatment for any animal bite.
- Don't approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
- Make sure that all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have rabies vaccinations that are current.
- Confine your pets to your property.
- Make sure that garbage containers are secured with lids.
The Virginia Department of Health said if anyone in your household, including pets, has had any exposure to stray or wild animals in the area contact your physician or call the Isle of Wight Health Department at 757-279-3078, Isle of Wight Animal Control at 757-365-6318, or visit the Virginia Department of Health's website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
