Second Rabid Raccoon In Months Found In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A second rabid raccoon within the last two months was found in Falls Church on Nov. 15.

Falls Church Police euthanized the sick raccoon in the 300 block of West Columbia Street. The Fairfax County Health Department later confirmed the raccoon had rabies. Police do not believe any people came in contact with the animal.

Another rabid raccoon had been found Oct. 4 in the area of Lea Court and South Spring Street. Although neither animal had contact with people, police say residents should be aware of rabies impacting the area at all times.

The rabies virus can be found in wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats and be spread to unvaccinated people and animals, especially feral cats. Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva or central nervous tissue into an open wound, mouth, nose or eyes of a person or animal. Birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians cannot get rabies.

Detection of rabies can be difficult in the early stages, but common signs in animals are staggering, drooling or appearing paralyzed. Animals appearing overly friendly or in distress should be avoided.

Rabies is almost always fatal if symptoms develop but preventable with a series of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) shots after exposure. If bitten by a wild or vaccinated animal, immediately scrub wounds with soap and running water before seeking medical attention. The Fairfax County Health Department has more information on how to respond after rabies exposure.

Animal bites and scratches as well as suspicious wildlife should be reported to Falls Church Police at 703-241-5053. Police offer additional tips on avoiding rabies exposure:

• Be aware of the abundance of wildlife in our area and understand that the wildlife in our area coexist very well. Most of the wildlife population is healthy.
• Never feed stray animals or wildlife or leave pet food out on your property.
• Clean up excess bird food on the ground which draws in rats and other small mammals and birds.
• Do not attempt to rehabilitate wildlife. Do not foster wildlife in your yard or home.
• Vaccinate your dogs and cats and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
• Never allow your pets (especially cats) to roam unattended. Pet owners should be extremely careful when letting their unattended pets out into the yard, especially at night.
• Seal up any openings in your house so that wildlife cannot enter.
• Make sure all trash cans are tightly closed.