EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Well being officers are investigating human and pet exposures to a raccoon with rabies in Easthampton on Monday.
The Easthampton Division of Well being stated they had been notified of 1 human and two home pet exposures to the contaminated wild animal on Friday. Outcomes from a state testing lab on Monday confirmed the raccoon was optimistic for rabies.
One other human publicity to a probably rabid raccoon was additionally reported on Monday, check outcomes are pending. Each exposures occurred within the areas of Clark Road and East Greene Road, in accordance with well being officers.
“Rabies is a really severe illness that impacts the mind and spinal wire of mammals (if an animal has hair or fur, it’s a mammal),” the Easthampton Well being Division defined. “Rabies is attributable to a virus and nearly at all times causes loss of life. Rabies spreads when an animal with rabies bites one other animal or individual.”
Rabies might be discovered within the saliva of contaminated animals, which may unfold if uncovered to a scratch, wound, eyes, nostril, or mouth of an individual or animal. Most circumstances happen in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, woodchucks, and foxes. Some pets, particularly cats and livestock can even get rabies.
It may be tough to inform if an animal has been contaminated by rabies, well being officers stated. Some animals might act aggressively and assault individuals or different animals. Well being officers are advising residents to not deal with, strategy, or feed any wildlife.
If you happen to or your pet are available contact with wildlife, you’re requested to name the Easthampton Police Division’s non-emergency line at (413) 527-1212.
