Rabid raccoon encounters dog in Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health is reminding people to have their pets vaccinated after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Chesapeake on May 18.

The test results came after a dog had an encounter with a raccoon in the 200 block of Marsh Island Drive in the Rivercrest neighborhood of Chesapeake, near The River Club Park. The raccoon did not survive. The dog sustained minor injuries and was up to date on rabies immunizations. 

Health officials said human exposure to rabies happens when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as an animal bite.

Rabies is 100% fatal if left untreated. 

The district advises residents to:

• Make sure that all pets have rabies vaccinations that are current.
• Don't approach or feed wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
• Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.

The health department said if anyone in your household, including pets, has had any exposure to stray or wild animals in the area contact your physician or call the Health Department at Peninsula Health District Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340.