Raccoon encounters are rising in Henderson County: What to know about rabies, prevention

Todd Runkle, Hendersonville Times-News
·4 min read

Calls about sick raccoons and raccoon encounters with humans and domestic animals are increasing in Henderson County.

That's according to a news release from the Henderson County Department of Public Health.

The health department urges residents to avoid contact with raccoons and other wild or stray animals to reduce the risk of rabies exposure.

Raccoon encounters are increasing in Henderson County.
Raccoon encounters are increasing in Henderson County.

What are the signs of a rabid raccoon?

While it is difficult to tell from general observation whether a raccoon has rabies or some other sickness, there are symptoms to look out for, according to NJ Pest Control:

General sickness:

  • Acting disoriented.

  • Lethargic.

  • Aggressive if cornered.

  • Glassy eyed.

  • Seizures.

Signs of rabies:

  • Staggering gait.

  • Not aware of the noise and the nearby movement.

  • Erratic wandering.

  • Matted or wet hair at the face.

  • High pitch vocalization.

  • Self-mutilation.

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What is rabies?

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

Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start, according to the CDC. Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical.

The main way people, pets and livestock get exposed to rabies is contact with wild animals. Rabies is found in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Even if these animals appear not to display any of the signs noted above, they may still have rabies.

"Rabies is a serious, but preventable disease," Medical Director Dr. Diana Curran said in the news release. "You can lower the chance of rabies exposure for you and your pets by avoiding contact with wild animals and taking simple precautions."

For more information on rabies, visit www.hendersoncountync.gov/health. If you suspect your pet was exposed to rabies or have questions, contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Animal Enforcement Division at 828-697-4911.

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When do rabies symptoms start?

The first symptoms of rabies can appear from a few days to more than a year after the bite happens, according to KidsHealth. The first signs generally are a tingling, prickling, or itching feeling around the bite area. A person also might have flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness.

What to do if you think you might have rabies

If you've bitten or scratched by any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, or even if you've been been in contact with such animals, the CDC recommends the following actions:

  • Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes to flush out any virus.

  • Talk with a health care or public health professional about your risk and if you need rabies-related care.

  • Tell your health care provider the type of animal you encountered.

  • Make note of and tell your health care provider if you see any signs that the animal is not acting normally.

  • If the animal that bit you is a pet, ask the owner if the animal is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.

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How to protect yourself, pets, livestock from rabies

Tips from the health department's news release:

  • Never handle a raccoon. Only trained wildlife experts who have received pre-exposure treatment should handle wild animals.

  • If you see a sick raccoon, do not go near it or try to help. NC Wildlife Resources Commission should be contacted at 800-662-7137 to remove the sick raccoon.

  • If you have contact with a raccoon, call animal control and seek immediate medical care.

  • If your pet has contact with a raccoon, call animal control and take your pet to the vet immediately. When rendering aid to your animal try to avoid touching areas where the animal was bitten or scratched to avoid exposure to infected secretions.

  • Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies shots. This includes any outdoor cats you take care of. Pets without rabies shots that get injured by raccoons or other wildlife must be euthanized to prevent the spread of rabies.

  • Do not feed raccoons. Keep trash cans closed and do not leave animal food outside. This helps keep raccoons and other wildlife away from your home.

Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and a content coach for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Raccoon encounters rise in Henderson County: How to prevent rabies