Person County leaders confirmed the county’s eighth
confirmed rabies case this year.
Person County Animal Services and the Person County Health Department
are urging the public to take precautions after the latest incident involved a
racoon on Ridge Road in the Roxboro city limits.
The county could not confirm any human or domestic animal
contact with the raccoon.
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous
system.
Immediate medical attention is critical for humans. Rabies
is 100% preventable if treated promptly.
Delaying care can be fatal.
People are urged to remain vigilant and to protect their families
and pets.
County leaders provided the following reminders:
• Do not touch or approach wild animals or unfamiliar pets.
• Monitor your surroundings when outdoors.
• Keep children and pets supervised and away from
wildlife.
• Ensure all pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
This is required by law and critical for their protection. Rabies
vaccinations are given daily at the shelter during regular business hours, no
appointment necessary.
• Avoid handling stray or injured animals, even seemingly
friendly animals.
• If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by an
animal, or if a pet encounters a wild animal:
o In urgent situations, call 911.
o Seek emergency medical care immediately.
o Call Animal Control at 336-597-1741 or the Health
Department at 336-597-2204.
Signs of a rabid animal:
• Aggressive or unusually friendly behavior
• Difficulty walking, staggering
• Foaming at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Disorientation or paralysis
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