Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Garner Residents

7/16/2007

Anyone bitten or scratched by unknown animals should immediately call Community Health at 250-4462

Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of Rand Road in Garner, between Ten-Ten Road and Route 50.

A case of rabies was confirmed today in a raccoon that exposed two dogs. Fortunately the dogs had been vaccinated against rabies and each only required a rabies booster. Had the dogs not been current with vaccinations, they would have been required to be euthanized or quarantined for six months.

"We don't want to alarm residents in Garner, 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," said Harris.

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.

"In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of animals found to have rabies in North Carolina. Current vaccination of cats and dogs provides significant protection for humans from this fatal disease, and it's the law," said Andre Pierce, director of Environmental Health and Safety for Wake County.

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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