A raccoon found on Spring Street in Oakdale has tested positive for rabies, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.
It is the 24th rabid animal reported in Allegheny County so far this year.
Rabies is a virus transmitted by an animal bite or scratch. It is almost always fatal when left untreated.
The Health Department said people should watch for unusual behavior in animals and should make sure their pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, and notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission if an animal appears to be acting strange or becomes threatening.
Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the Health Department to report the incident. That number is 412-687-2243.
The latest raccoon brings the total animals that have tested positive for rabies this year to 17 raccoons, five bats and two cats.
