A raccoon collected in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies.
NORFOLK, VA – A raccoon collected in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was killed by a dog on March 3, 2018 along the 500 block of Summers Drive in the Roland Park neighborhood. The raccoon was subsequently sent for testing to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA and reported positive late on March 7, 2018. There was no known human exposures and the dog involved in the incident was vaccinated against rabies. If you have recently been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, please contact Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
It is important to note that, in the event of any exposure, all animal bites and scratches should be reported to local health departments. “Rabies is a deadly virus and area residents are reminded to keep pets up-to-date on their vaccinations,” said Norman Grefe, Environmental Health Manager, Sr. Incidents occurring in the city of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387. The following precautions are recommended to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:
- 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.
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
For media inquiries contact Norman Grefe, 683-2824 or
norman.grefe@vdh.virginia.gov