ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has issued a public health alert after a raccoon tested positive for rabies near Chambliss Park. On Friday, a raccoon that came into contact with several dogs in a yard near the park tested positive for the disease. While the raccoon is dead and the dogs are in confinement, this positive case highlights the increased risk rabies poses to the community.
What you need to know:
Rabies is a deadly but preventable viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches. Symptoms in animals include unexpected aggression, excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, and unusual behavior such as staggering or sluggishness.
If you notice animals exhibiting these symptoms, contact Alexandria Animal Control immediately at 703.746.4444.
How to stay safe:
- Avoid wild animals: Do not feed, approach, or interact with stray, wild, or feral animals, even if they seem friendly or injured.
- Vaccinate your pets: Ensure your cats and dogs are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Leash your dogs: Remember, dogs must be leashed in all public areas and parks in Alexandria.
If you or a family member has had physical contact with a raccoon, call the Alexandria Health Department during business hours at 703.746.4910.
Understanding the risks:
Rabies is deadly but can be prevented if action is taken promptly. Infected animals can display aggression, fearlessness, or extreme lethargy. These behaviors are not normal for wildlife and should be reported without delay.
For more information on rabies prevention and recent alerts, visit alexandriava.gov/Rabies. Interpretation and translation services are available free of charge by emailing LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703.746.3960.
If you suspect rabies exposure, don’t wait—act immediately.