Jones County confirms positive rabies case in raccoon

JONES COUNTY — The Jones County Health Department has confirmed a positive rabies case in a raccoon found near the area of Wyse Fork Road and Highway 41 East.

According to information shared by the department, the animal was submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory, where testing confirmed the presence of the rabies virus on June 2.

Health officials said the case serves as a reminder for residents to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.

Rabies is a virus that affects mammals, including humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, but the disease is preventable through vaccination and prompt medical treatment after a possible exposure.

Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Officials also advise residents not to approach animals that appear sick, injured, unusually friendly, aggressive or are acting strangely.

North Carolina law requires rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age.

The Jones County Health Department offers one-year rabies vaccinations for $7. Residents are also encouraged to supervise pets while outdoors and not allow them to roam freely.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal, or who has animal saliva come into contact with an open wound, should wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention promptly.

For more information, contact the Jones County Health Department at 252-448-9111.