New Hanover Co. confirms sixth case of rabies

New Hanover County — New Hanover County Animal Control authorities have confirmed the sixth case of rabies so far this year. A Mimosa Place family reported their three dogs had fought and killed a wild raccoon on Monday.

Test results returned today from the state lab confirm the raccoon was rabid. The dogs’ owners have taken the pets for their required rabies booster vaccination.

Animals that have a current rabies vaccination at the time of exposure should be re-boostered within five days (new Centers for Disease Control guidelines) of exposure. The CDC recommends unvaccinated pets be destroyed. There are three primary routes of transmission of the rabies virus, which is carried in the saliva of the infected animal: 1) the primary route of transmission is through a bite which breaks the skin of the victim, 2) salivary contact to an open, fresh wound, or, 3) salivary contact to the mucous membranes of a potential victim.

When dealing with primary rabies vectors (raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats) or unknown animals, such as wildlife, it is recommended that the animal be handled with protective gloves to prevent viral transmission. Personal pets should not be handled without protection directly after being exposed to wildlife, due to the potential for carrying residual saliva from the infected animal. People should stay away from any animal that they have not been cleared to hold or pet, including owned dogs or cats, and especially wildlife.

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