Raccoon Found in JCC Tests Positive for Rabies

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A raccoon found Dec. 22 in the Colonial Heritage neighborhood has tested positive for the rabies virus, according to a notification Tuesday from the Peninsula Health District to residents there.

The animal was found in the 4300 block of Sprucemont in James City County. According to the statement, the local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting residents and the homeowner’s association that serves the neighborhood.

Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that usually is spread through an infected animal's saliva.

The organization offered three 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.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal is asked to contact the Health Department at 757-253-4813. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact local Animal Control at 757-253-1800.