FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2014

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s fourth rabies case for the year.

On August 15, three dogs fought with a raccoon on Pleasant Hill Church Road in southern Alamance County near the Chatham County line. The raccoon was tested and found to be positive for rabies. All three dogs involved were up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. The dogs were given booster rabies vaccinations on Friday and will need no further intervention.

Environmental Health Director Carl Carroll stated, “Because the owners of these three dogs kept their vaccinations up-to-date, the pets continue to enjoy life as part of that family. We urge all pet owners to stay current on vaccinations. It is North Carolina law.”

If you are bitten by

 

any animal:

•Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

•Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.

•Do not try to catch any wild animal.

To date for 2014, there have been 218 confirmed rabies cases in North Carolina. In 2013, there were eight confirmed rabies cases in Alamance County and a total of 380 confirmed rabies cases statewide.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.