Health Dept. reports local rabies cases

On July 11, the Greenbrier County Health Department alerted the public that a raccoon collected in Greenbrier County zip code 24931 had tested positive for rabies. The following day, a second case of rabies was reported, this time in zip code 24901. The health department said that the second raccoon was collected “within 5-7 miles” of the first case. The department also reports that a neighboring county has had a positive case.
The health department asks the public to ensure that all pets have an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and to avoid all contact with wildlife. Rabies is spread from bites or scratches, with bats and raccoons being the most common carriers. Common symptoms of rabies in animals include abnormal behavior, loss of appetite, paralysis, fever, seizures, and excessive drooling. Any animal bites should immediately be washed with soap and water and related to your primary health care provider and the health department.