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
