Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Southern Wake County

1/2/2008

Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the South Trails subdivision, at the intersection of Wagstaff Road and Cricket Knoll Road, south of Fuquay-Varina. A case of rabies was confirmed Wednesday, January 1, 2008, in a raccoon killed by a resident in this area on December 31, 2007. The resident who reported the animal also stated a stray dog may have come in contact with the raccoon. The dog was described as 40-50 pounds, and brown in color.

"We don't want to alarm residents in the Fuquay area, but they should be aware of this case and of the potential for exposure to themselves, family members and their pets," said Gibbie Harris, Wake County Community Health director.

"Anyone living in or visiting the area, who has been scratched or bitten by an animal they do not know, should call our clinic. Our nurses will be able to assess if they need to seek medical treatment."

Wake County Animal Control will be canvassing this area, looking for the reported dog and any other stray animals. If you have any information about the dog, or whom the owner is, please contact our office at 250-1481. It is important to note that if the dog was exposed to the rabies virus, the dog is NOT contagious at this time. It will usually take 1-2 months for an exposed animal to be able to transmit the virus to others.

Whenever persons are bitten or scratched by an unknown animal, they should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and warm water and contact their physician or Wake County Community Health immediately. The daytime phone number for Wake County Community Health is 919-250-4462; the after-hours number is 919-839-3059.

Wake County Animal Control officials urge the following:

· Residents should not approach wildlife, especially during the daytime.
· Residents should ensure their pet has a current rabies vaccination. If a pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is recommended. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines.
· Do not leave trash or food outside unless in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
· If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight.
· Do not leave pets outdoors unattended.
· If your pet comes in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To report animal complaints and stray animals:

· In Wake County (except Cary, Garner, Holly Springs and Raleigh), call 919-212-PETS (7387)
· In Cary, call 919-319-4517
· In Garner, call 919-772-8896
· In Holly Springs, call 919-557-9111
· In Raleigh, call 919-831-6311

More information on rabies may be found online through the N.C. Division of Public Health (www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/rabies.html) or through the National Center for Infectious Diseases(www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies).

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