Old Town Alert: Rabid Raccoon Warning after Two People Bitten Near Henry Street The City Health Department has issued a warning to residents and visitors alike after two individuals were bitten by a rabid raccoon in the Old Town area. The incident occurred near Henry Street, prompting officials to take swift action to contain the situation. According to eyewitness accounts, the raccoon was seen acting erratically and aggressively around 9 pm on Tuesday night. Two people, who wish to remain anonymous, reported being bitten by the animal while walking down the street. Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and are expected to make full recoveries after receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. The raccoon was later found dead in an alleyway nearby, with tests confirming it had contracted rabies. This marks the third reported case of rabies in the city this year, prompting concerns among local residents. "We take the safety of our citizens very seriously," said City Health Director, Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "We urge everyone to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when walking or spending time outdoors, especially at night." The health department is working closely with local animal control services to ensure that any other potentially affected animals are identified and removed from the area. In the meantime, residents are advised to take precautions when interacting with wildlife. This includes keeping a safe distance from raccoons and other animals, not feeding them, and seeking medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched. The Old Town community is being asked to remain calm but vigilant, with authorities emphasizing that this incident is an isolated one and that the city's rabies vaccination program remains effective in preventing further cases.#Rabies #Old_Town #Henry_Street #City_Health_Department #Dr_Maria_Rodriguez
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
