Orange County Animal Services alerted the community on Monday of its latest positive rabies test.
The case stemmed from a person’s interaction with a raccoon found near Gray Bluff Trail, a residential road off U.S. 15-501 in southern Chapel Hill, on Thursday, October 29. After receiving a report, Animal Control officers responded and collected the animal. The state laboratory later returned a positive rabies test result.
The report of the incident also said there was possible indirect human exposure to the raccoon, according to Orange County Animal Services, although Monday’s release did not say whether the Orange County Health Department is coordinating a quarantine or treatment for those people.
The October 29 incident is the first confirmed rabies case in southern Orange County in several months, although the most recent case involving Animal Services was in September when a rabid skunk was found near Mebane. It brings the county’s rabid animals total to seven this calendar year, four of which have been racoons. The nocturnal animals are the most common carriers of the virus in North Carolina, along with skunks, foxes, and bats.
“Spotting active wildlife during both the day and night is a normal part of coexisting with nature, but OCAS reminds residents that maintaining a safe distance is essential for community health,” the county department said in its release on Monday. “Rabies is a serious viral infection that requires immediate medical attention. Because the virus is fatal without prompt care, understanding exposure risks and taking proactive preventive measures is critical to keeping families and neighborhoods safe. Ensuring that all pets remain current on their rabies vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your pets and your home. Pet owners can consult their veterinarian for vaccine guidance or contact Orange County Animal Services directly to learn more about affordable rabies vaccination options.”
Rabies, which is a viral infection, spreads via direct contact and secondary exposure to saliva, usually through bites, scratches or direct contact with eyes, mouths or open wounds. The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services’ page on rabies information and statistics can be found here.
Featured photo via Andrew Patrick Photo.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Rabid Raccoon Reported in Southern Chapel Hill, Orange County’s 7th This Year Chapelboro.com.
Hence then, the article about rabid raccoon reported in southern chapel hill orange county s 7th this year was published today ( ) and is available on chapelboro ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Rabid Raccoon Reported in Southern Chapel Hill, Orange County’s 7th This Year )
Also on site :
- Sharjah Film Festival Takeaways: ‘Atlas of the Universe’ Takes Top Prize, Pitching Platform Doubles and Audience Award Debuts
- Atalanta vs Parma Today: Live Streaming, TV Coverage and Match Details
- Karen Read was sentenced to 1 year’s probation on an OUI count; she’s now suing the police who probed her boyfriend’s 2022 death