Public health officials are warning local residents after they say a person was attacked by a rabid raccoon while inside a public bathroom. It happened last Thursday at the Wissahickon Valley Park near the Valley Green Inn. Officials say the raccoon was trapped and tested for rabies while the victim is currently undergoing treatment to prevent rabies infection. Officials now say laboratory tests have confirmed the rabies infection in the raccoon.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a raccoon while visiting the park should seek medical attention immediately. Officials are also asking anyone who recently visited the park to identify anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by the animal.
All raccoons are potential carriers of rabies. Officials say dogs that have not been vaccinated may be at risk. If you notice any unexplained wounds on your dog you should take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. You should also make sure your pets have up-to-date vaccinations, confine them to your home or yard and walk them on a leash.
“Raccoons, bats, feral cats, and other animals living in the wild may carry rabies,” said Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz. “Bites and scratches inflicted by wild animals or stray dogs and cats must be considered as possible rabies exposures and brought to medical attention immediately for thorough evaluation. Without prompt preventive treatment, rabies in humans is fatal nearly one hundred percent of the time.”
Never approach or touch wild animals or unknown pets as most animals will attack if threatened or cornered. Avoid strange animals even if they seem friendly and never try to get a wild animal to eat food from your hand. Finally, feed your pets inside your house and keep your garbage inside tightly closed trash containers.
Officials say no cases of rabies were reported in Philadelphia’s animal population between 1948 and 1989. Since 1989 however, officials say there have been 61 recorded cases of rabies in animals. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical care immediately or call the health department at 215-685-6748.
