The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) warned locals today another West End raccoon has tested positive for rabies.
AHD said a raccoon tested positive near Chambliss Park after an encounter with several dogs near the park.
According to the release:
On November 15, 2024, a raccoon came into contact with several dogs in the yard of a home near Chambliss Park. Upon testing, the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The raccoon is dead, and the dogs are in confinement, but there is an increased risk.
This is the third raccoon-related rabies incident in the last month after similarly afflicted raccoons were found at Dora Kelley Nature Park and Taylor Run.
According to AHD:
Rabies is a preventable, deadly viral disease spread through the saliva due to a bite or a scratch from an infected animal.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include:
- unexpected aggression from an animal that would normally avoid people, easily frighten, or run away
- extreme drooling or foaming at the mouth
- walking as if drunk or unusual sluggishness or stupor.
If you see animals exhibiting symptoms of rabies, please call Alexandria Animal Control at 703.746.4444. If you have concerns about you or your family being exposed to rabies, please call Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4910 during normal business hours.
Photo via Ifer Endahl/Unsplash
