Rabid Raccoon Found In Northwest, District Of Columbia

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 24 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DOH) is seeking the public's assistance in locating an individual who was reported to have been holding a rabid raccoon on or around October 12, 2008. The person is described as a Latino male teenager, with a gold outlined front tooth. The injured raccoon was found in the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

Residents are advised to avoid all wildlife including raccoons and not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans, litter, or outdoor grills. Residents are also advised to ensure that all entry ways to the home are secure including the foundation, chimney, roof, window wells and attics.

Residents can also stop rabies transmissions by vaccinating their dogs and cats against the disease as required by law. All dogs and cats, more than three months of age, must be vaccinated against rabies. It is important that you keep vaccinations current at all times.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the District's 24-hour animal control hotline at (202) 576-6664

About Rabies

Rabies is a fatal disease transmitted from animals to humans caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, causing convulsions, paralysis and finally death. The virus is present in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted primarily by animal bites and rarely by contamination of open wounds, fresh abrasions, or mucous membranes.

All warm-blooded animals can be affected by the virus, but it is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Dogs and cats may also contract rabies if they are not vaccinated.

District of Columbia Department of Health