Dead raccoon in Monroeville tested positive for rabies, sixth this year in Allegheny County

A dead raccoon found in Monroeville recently tested positive for rabies, the Allegheny County Health Department said Thursday.

The dead raccoon was found near the 600 block of Beatty Road, ACHD said.

The health department said the raccoon is the sixth rabid animal recorded in Allegheny County this year. So far, there have been four raccoons, one bat and one cat.

Rabies is a virus transmitted by an animal bite or scratch and untreated bites are “almost always fatal,” according to the health department.

If exposed to the saliva of a wild animal through a bite or scratch, the health department advises people to immediately cleanse the area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call ACHD at 412-687-2243 to report the incident.

ACHD urges residents to avoid stray and wild animals to avoid exposure to rabies.

“Residents should also keep a close eye on their pets and make sure their pets are up-to-date with vaccinations,” an ACHD news release said. “If any animal appears to be acting strange or threatening, residents should notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission immediately.”