[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Reminds Public Of Rabies Risks

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	August 9, 2007 PIO# 196-07/sjm	Steve Mason, Director of Communications, at 703.838.4300

ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS
PUBLIC OF RABIES RISKS

A sick raccoon recently collected near Commonwealth Avenue and Ashby Street, in the City of Alexandria, has tested positive for rabies. While no human exposure occurred in the above case, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is reminding the public to avoid close interactions with wild animals in the City and to have their pet dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies.

To date, in 2007, four animal rabies cases (two bats and two raccoons) have been confirmed in the City of Alexandria. Residents should note that rabies is a fatal disease and is most often transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or when saliva comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membrane (such as nose or mouth).

The AHD recommends the following steps to help residents protect themselves against rabies exposure:

� Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
� Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up-to-date. Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
� Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
� Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
� Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
� If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Please call the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Animal Control Division (703-838-4774), to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.

For more information regarding rabies, please visit the following websites.

�Virginia Department of Health:

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/factsheets/Rabies.htm

�Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/

For additional information and tips on rabies prevention, please call the Alexandria Health Department, at 703-838-4400 ext. 326, or the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Animal Control Division, at 703-838-4774.

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