Second Rabies Case in Alamance County for 2009 Confirmed in Mebane Raccoon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2009
Mebane Raccoon Test Positive for Rabies
Results Confirm Second Rabies Case in Alamance County for 2009
Lab results were received late yesterday from the North Carolina Public Health in Raleigh confirming Alamance Countys second rabies case for 2009.
On Saturday, May 9th, a raccoon was hit by a motor vehicle traveling on NC Highway 119 North in the vicinity of Stagecoach Road in Mebane. A motorist stopped to remove the animal out of the roadway. However, in the attempt to remove the suspected deceased animal, the motorist was bitten through a pair of work gloves. The victim sought treatment the following day at Alamance Regional Medical Center for his injury, and subsequently, the Animal Control Division of the Alamance County Sheriffs Department was notified. The victim is currently undergoing post-exposure treatment.
"It is unfortunate that this motorist was bitten," said Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director for Alamance County Health Department. "However, everyone should remember that no matter how much they want to help a wild or stray animal, such as a raccoon, that animal could have rabies." "Do not approach or touch wild animals. If you find an injured animal, including stray dogs or cats, call Animal Control," concluded Carroll.
A treatment exists for humans and is administered once there has been an exposure to rabies. This treatment will prevent someone from developing rabies. However, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Therefore, it is imperative that immediate medical treatment is sought if someone believes they have been exposed to an animal that could possibly have rabies. In the event of being bitten by an animal, the wound should be washed immediately with warm water and soap, in addition to seeking medical attention.