Contributed
On November 12, 2024, the Bladen County Health Department was notified of a raccoon that tested positive for rabies. This is the second rabid animal identified in the county this year. The raccoon was found deceased on 11/7/24 near the W Hester Street and Gooden Street intersection in Clarkton, NC and sent for testing.
Rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or via contamination of open wounds or mucus membranes with potentially infectious material such as saliva. Any person bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva from this raccoon during early November should contact their healthcare provider or the local health department for a rabies risk assessment. Rabies is a fatal yet preventable disease if post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered. You may contact the Bladen County Health Department at 910-862-6900.
Prevention of rabies is based on protection of susceptible animals and people, and appropriate management of persons and animals exposed to rabies:
Author: staff report
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