BRUNSWICK COUNTY — A raccoon that attacked a person in the Longwood area has tested positive for rabies, county health officials announced Monday after being notified about the incident.
The individual is receiving necessary rabies vaccinations following the incident. The raccoon died during the altercation and Animal Protective Services sent it to the North Carolina Public Health Lab for rabies testing.
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The Brunswick County Health Services, Animal Protective Services and Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident.
“In the United States, human fatalities from rabies occur in people who fail to seek medical assistance, usually because they were unaware of their exposure. In almost all cases, fatality from rabies in infected humans can be prevented by prompt medical attention and vaccination,” according to the county.
Any warm-blooded animal can transmit rabies. Officials recommend cleaning any bites or scratches with soap and running water for 15 minutes, and seek emergency care. The doctor will determine if a series of rabies vaccinations will be needed.
Depending on the species and circumstances, the animal must must be evaluated or tested for rabies.
Incidents should be reported immediately to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services Division at 910-253-1738.
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Provide the location of the incident, a description of the animal, and as many other details as possible. If the animal is someone’s pet, get the owner’s name, phone number, and address and provide this information to the Animal Protective Services officer.
Do not try to catch any wild animal that bites or scratches you. Call Animal Protective Services immediately and they will try to capture the animal.
Officials recommend taking the following preventative steps:
- Vaccinate pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current. State law requires that all owned dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age.
- Vaccinate either once a year or once per three years.
- Supervise pets outdoors and keep all pets on a leash when not in a fenced yard.
- Do not feed pets outdoors. Pet food attracts wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife, feral cats or feral dogs.
- Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.
- Leave young wildlife alone.
To learn more about rabies prevention and treatment, visit the county website.
