Alexandria Health Department Says 2 People Bit by Possibly Rabid Raccoon The Alexandria Health Department is warning residents after two people were bitten by a possibly rabid raccoon in the city. According to officials, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the raccoon attacked two individuals, one of whom was a child, in the 2400 block of North Van Dorn Street. Details about the victims have not been released, but health department officials say they are working closely with local animal control and wildlife experts to determine whether the raccoon is indeed rabid. The animal has been taken into custody for further testing. Rabies is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals. Symptoms of the virus include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by neurological problems like paralysis and confusion. The health department is urging anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to the raccoon's saliva to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, residents are advised to exercise caution when interacting with wildlife, especially at night when animals may be more active. It's not the first time this year that a rabid animal has been found in Alexandria. In January, a bat was discovered to have the virus, prompting local health officials to issue warnings and reminders about the importance of vaccinations and precautions around wild animals.#Alexandria_Health_Department #Rabies #North_Van_Dorn_Street
Alexandria Health Department Says 2 People Bit by Possibly Rabid Raccoon The Alexandria Health Department has confirmed that two people were bitten by a raccoon that may be suffering from rabies. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the city's West End neighborhood. According to officials, the two individuals were bitten while attempting to feed a raccoon they found rummaging through their trash cans. They immediately sought medical attention and were treated for the bites. The health department has since collected samples of the raccoon's saliva and is conducting tests to determine if it is indeed infected with rabies. If confirmed, this would be the second reported case of a rabid animal in Alexandria this year. Rabies is a deadly virus that can cause severe symptoms including fever, headaches, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, it can progress to paralysis and ultimately death. In the meantime, health officials are urging residents to exercise caution when interacting with wildlife, especially at night. They recommend keeping trash cans tightly sealed and avoiding direct contact with animals that appear sick or disoriented. The public is also advised to report any raccoon sightings or bites to the Alexandria Health Department immediately.#Alexandria_Health_Department #Rabies #West_End_neighborhood #raccoon
Raccoon Bites Two People in Old Town Alexandria, Health Officials Say Two people were bitten by a raccoon in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, according to health officials. The incident occurred around 10:30 pm near the intersection of King Street and Duke Street. The victims, whose identities have not been released, were taken to a local hospital for treatment and are expected to recover. The raccoon was captured and removed from the area by wildlife control services. According to the Alexandria Health Department, both victims received minor injuries from the bites. They were bitten on their arms and hands, but did not suffer any serious harm. Health officials say that rabies testing is currently being conducted on the raccoon to determine if it had contracted the virus. If the test comes back positive, those who were bitten will need to receive a series of shots as a precautionary measure. The incident serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings when walking in areas where wildlife may be present. The Alexandria Health Department recommends taking precautions such as keeping food and trash secure and not approaching or feeding wild animals. This is not the first time that raccoons have caused problems in Old Town Alexandria. In 2019, a group of raccoons was seen rummaging through trash cans on Duke Street, causing concern among local business owners.#Old_Town_Alexandria #Alexandria_Health_Department #King_Street #Duke_Street
