Raccoon That Attacked Dog And Owner In Potomac Yard Tests Positive For Rabies

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria’s Health Department is warning city residents to exercise caution around wildlife after a local raccoon tested positive for rabies.

According to Alexandria authorities, a person and a dog encountered an aggressive raccoon near East Glebe Road in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard area on May 23. The raccoon was captured and killed, and was found to be infected with rabies.

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The person and dog involved in the incident are safe, and the dog is being monitored for any symptoms of infection, the health department says.

Alexandria authorities are reminding residents to keep their pets up to date on vaccinations and not to feed or approach wild or stray animals, even if they seem friendly or appear to be hurt. In particular, they say to avoid animals displaying unusual aggression, that are drooling excessively or foaming at the mouth, or that appear to be in a stupor or moving drunkenly.

Two people were bitten by a raccoon in Old Town in March, and a dead raccoon found shortly after tested positive for rabies. Two foxes in the city tested positive for rabies in August and November 2025.

Rabies infections are rare in humans, but fatal without quick intervention. The Centers for Disease Control say 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies after a potential exposure, but that there are fewer than 10 deaths per year. According to the CDC, medical protocols after a rabies exposure include wound care, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a series of four or five rabies vaccines given as soon as possible after the exposure. Post-exposure care, if accessed quickly enough after exposure, is nearly 100 percent effective.

If you or your pet are scratched or bitten, the Alexandria Health Department says to immediately wash the area with soap and water, then seek medical care, and finally report the potential exposure to them at (703) 746-4910.