A raccoon in Chatham County has tested positive for rabies and as a result, the Chatham County Health Department is encouraging all residents to take proper precautions. The raccoon was trapped after it got into an altercation with two family dogs off of LaRoche Avenue on the Isle of Hope. There have been no confirmed human exposures.
Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Residents should avoid contact with wild or stray animals, watch for unusual behavior in pets and wildlife, and get pets vaccinated against rabies.
If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Control at 525-2408 and the Chatham County Health Department at 356-2160.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
The Chatham County Health Department offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out overnight.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It’s the law and it’s an important protection for you and your pets.