A raccoon caught on Mt. Hood Drive in Plum has tested positive for rabies, making it the 16th rabid animal in Allegheny County since the start of the year.
The Allegheny County Health Department announced the raccoon’s positive results for rabies Thursday.
So far in 2019, there have been 13 raccoons, two bats and one cat that have all tested positive for rabies, according to ACHD.
Rabies is transmitted by an animal bite or scratch, which is almost always fatal when left untreated. Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to the saliva from a stray or any other animal should immediately clean the contact area with soap and water.
The individual is then advised to seek emergency medical treatment and call ACHD at 412-687-2243 to report the incident.
ACHD said in a news release residents should make sure pets are up-to-date with vaccinations and to avoid wild and stray animals.
“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,” said ACHD.
