A pair of raccoons found in opposite ends of the District have tested positive for rabies, including one discovered trapped in a homeowner’s fireplace, the D.C. Department of Health announced today.
The raccoons were found in the vicinity of the 1100 block of D Street SE, in Hill East, and in the 6300 block of 29th Place NW. No people were bitten by the animals, said Sybil Bowick, a DOH spokeswoman, but the department is strongly recommending that residents avoid any physical contact with raccoons or wild animals in general.
“Animal rabies is an important public health issue,” Dr. Gregg Pane, health department director, said in a statement. “DOH has been, and will continue to be, diligent in responding quickly to these types of matters in our community in order to protect our citizens.”
The raccoon captured in Southeast entered the home through the chimney but made it no further than the fireplace thanks to a glass cover, said Peggy Keller, chief of the bureau of community hygiene in the health department. The raccoon nabbed in Northwest was trapped by a homeowner.
So far in 2007, DOH has captured roughly three dozen rabid animals, include one feral cat, one fox, 21 raccoons and 10 bats, Keller said. Rabies is transmitted from animals to humans by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, causing convulsions, paralysis and finally death if not treated.
To report a wild animal displaying unusual behavior, or a bat in the home, call animal control at 202-576-6664.
