NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- A raccoon tested positive for rabies in Norfolk on Thursday.
The sick raccoon was found on Tuesday along the 5800 block of Hartwick in the Azalea Gardens/Azalea lakes neighborhood. A dog encountered the critter before being sent to Richmond for testing.
The Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services conducted the rabies test, and the raccoon tested positive.
The dog had been vaccinated against rabies, and there was no known human exposure to the raccoon.
If anyone has recently been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, please contact Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
To prevent rabies exposure, officials suggest the following:
- Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Keep pets confined to home and yard.
- Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
- Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.
- Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.
- Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
- Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
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