HAMPTON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reminding people to have their pets vaccinated, after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Hampton.
The test results came after a dead raccoon was collected from Derosa Drive in the Michael's Woods neighborhood.
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.
VDH 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 Health Department at Peninsula Health District Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.
