Rabid Raccoon Found Near Rawls Byrd Elementary

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A raccoon found in the neighborhoods near Rawls Byrd Elementary School has tested positive for rabies.

The Peninsula Health District asks that anyone with information regarding exposure to the raccoon or any other wild animals contact the Williamsburg Area Environmental Health Office at (757) 253-4813. Exposures include bites, scratches, contact with saliva by open wound, eyes, nose or mouth. If a pet came into contact with a rabid animal, call the Environmental Health Office and after hour, contact Animal Control at 253-1800.

Rabies is a fatal disease carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid-1980s. To prevent exposure to rabies, the District recommends vaccinating all pets; reporting all exposures to animals to doctors and the local health department; and enjoying wildlife from a distance.