EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A rabid woodchuck turned up in an East Providence neighborhood last week, the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed.
Four people and two dogs were exposed to the woodchuck found Thursday in the area of Cul De Sac Way in Riverside, RIDOH said in a media release.
"All four people who were exposed have started treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis, and the two dogs received boosters of rabies vaccine," the release said.
The day after the discovery, a second woodchuck was captured and subjected to testing at RIDOH's State Health Laboratories
"These two woodchucks were seen in a busy, residential part of Riverside," the release said, warning, "People should always avoid contact with wild animals."
Rabies is a deadly disease if it is not treated before the onset of symptoms, according to the release.
"The rabies virus infects the central nervous system," the release said. "If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure and before symptoms appear."
RIDOH urged anyone who may have had direct contact with the woodchuck to call the department's Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 401-276-8046 after hours.
"If you think your pet may have come in contact with this woodchuck, call RIDOH, your local Animal Control Officer, and your pet's veterinarian," the release said.
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