Neighborhood Rabies Canvass Follows Raccoon Attack in Kings Park area

 

A raccoon (similar to one shown) bit a resident while gardening on Sunday, June 7 in the Kings Park area.

Animal Control Officers distributed rabies information to residents in the Kings Park area today after a man was attacked by a rabid raccoon in the 5300 block of Kings Park Drive on Sunday, June 7. A man was working in his garden around 12:30 p.m. when a raccoon quietly approached him from behind and viciously bit him causing almost a 12” long laceration. Animal control responded to the scene and shot the animal when it charged the officer. It was subsequently laboratory tested and found to be positive for rabies. The victim was treated and is taking appropriate medications.

So far, in 2015 there have been 21 positive rabies cases investigated by Animal Control Officers; there were 50 in 2014.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid.

More information on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips, and what to do if an animal bites is available: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/rabies/