Exposure to rabid raccoons rising, Henderson Co. Public Health says [Video]

HENDERSON, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Henderson County Department of Public Health said Wednesday they have seen an increase in calls regarding sick raccoons and raccoon encounters with humans and pets.

The department said to avoid contact with raccoons and other wild or stray animals to reduce the chance of getting exposed to rabies.

“Rabies is a viral disease that can be deadly to people if medical care is not received before symptoms start,” the department said. “A healthy animal or person can get rabies when bitten, licked or scratched by a sick animal.”

According to the department, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Even if these animals appear healthy, the department said they may still have rabies.

“Rabies is a serious, but preventable disease,” said Medical Director Dr. Diana Curran. “You can lower the chance of rabies exposure for you …