Thursday, February 27, 2025
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Feb 27's Weather Clear HI: 61 LOW: 55 Full Forecast (powered by OpenWeather) |
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Noting an increase in calls about sick raccoons and raccoon encounters with humans and domestic animals, the Henderson County Department of Public Health is warning residents to avoid contact with raccoons and other wild or stray animals to reduce the risk of rabies exposure.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be deadly to people if medical care is not received before symptoms start. A healthy animal or person can get rabies when bitten, licked or scratched by a sick animal.
Contact with wild animals is the main way people, pets and livestock get exposed to rabies. It is commonly found in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Even if these animals appear fine, they may still have rabies.
"Rabies is a serious, but preventable disease," said Medical Director Dr. Diana Curran. "You can lower the chance of rabies exposure for you and your pets by avoiding contact with wild animals and taking simple precautions."
Please follow these tips to protect yourself, your family and your pets:
For more information on rabies, visit www.hendersoncountync.gov/health. If you suspect your pet was exposed to rabies or have questions, contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Animal Enforcement Division at 828-697-4911.