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NEWS: Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Western Wake Residents


7/14/2009

Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the intersection of Ten Ten Road and Graham Newton Road in Raleigh, near the Whitehart subdivision. A case of rabies in a raccoon was confirmed late Monday, July 13, 2009.

On July 11, a raccoon interacted with two dogs in the Whitehart subdivision. Since both dogs were current with their rabies vaccinations, they only required a rabies booster shot.

"The outcome would have been quite different for the dogs and family members had these dogs not been properly vaccinated," said Andre Pierce, Environmental Health and Safety director for Wake County. "We urge everyone to check the rabies vaccination status of their pets, and make sure they are current with vaccines.

Anyone who sees an animal acting in an unusual manner is urged to call Wake County Animal Control at 856-6911.

Whenever a person is 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 250-4462; the after-hours number is 839-3059.

Wake County Animal Control officials urge the following:

  • Avoid interactions with wildlife.
  • Be sure pets are current with rabies vaccinations.
  • Do not leave trash or food outside, unless it is 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 wildlife, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To report animal complaints and stray animals:

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

More information on rabies can be found online through the N.C. Division of Public Health or through the National Center for Infectious Diseases.

 

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