Davidson County reports first confirmed case of rabies in 2023
The Davidson County Health Department has received lab results confirming the first positive rabies case in Davidson County in 2023. According to reports received by the health department, on February 24, a raccoon was discovered on a residential property with two domestic dogs. The dogs were separated from the raccoon and animal control was contacted to remove the raccoon. Due to the strange behavior observed, rabies testing for the raccoon was recommended, with subsequent lab results confirming it was positive for rabies.
The domestic dogs were not vaccinated against the deadly rabies virus. Due to the direct contact with the raccoon and the high risk of contracting the rabies virus, the dogs were euthanized. No humans were exposed. This incident occurred in Denton, near the Jackson Hill area.
If you are a pet owner, North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept current. If your pet (vaccinated or unvaccinated) comes in contact with a wild animal, seek care from a veterinarian immediately.
Rabies is 99.9% fatal in humans – never touch a dead wild animal with your bare hands. Humans who have been exposed to rabies through direct contact should immediately begin treatment with the rabies vaccine postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent contracting the virus. If you see stray dogs, cats, or wildlife in your neighborhood, call Animal Control at 336-249-0131. If you have questions regarding your own exposure to any animal, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss your situation.
The Davidson County Health Department will host a FREE rabies clinic on April 20, 2023. The clinic will take place at Bethany United Methodist Church, located at 193 Bethany Rd, Lexington, from 6pm – 8pm. Animals must be at least 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. All humans and animals must remain inside their vehicles at all times.
For media inquires related to the press release contact: janna.walker@davidsoncountync.gov .
