Wake Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Southern Wake County Residents

1/24/2008

Local health officials have issued a rabies notice for residents and visitors in the vicinity of the intersection of Yates Mill Pond Road and Olde South Road. A case of rabies was confirmed Thursday, December 27, 2007, in a fox killed by a resident in this area on Christmas Day. Fortunately the dog that interacted with the fox, and was exposed to the virus, had been vaccinated against rabies and only required a rabies booster. Had the dog not been current with vaccinations, it would have been euthanized or quarantined for six months.

"We don't want to alarm residents in the Swift Creek 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."

Whenever persons are bitten or scratched by an unknown animal, they should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and warm water and contact their physicians 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 pets have a current rabies vaccinations. 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.

"Thankfully, the dog was vaccinated against rabies and will be OK," said Michael Williams, director of Animal Care, Control and Adoption for Wake County. "This type of situation is a good reminder for all of us to keep our animals’ rabies vaccination current."

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 or through the National Center for Infectious Diseases.