Published: March 07, 2008 09:18 pm      

Mercer County records first rabies cases of 2008

GREEN VALLEY — Possible exposure to a person and pets is part of Mercer County’s first two positive rabies cases for 2008.

“The Mercer County Health Department wants to advise the citizens of Mercer County that two raccoons tested positive for rabies on March 5,” said Doris Irwin, RN BSW. “These are the first and second specimens to test positive for rabies in 2008. These cases occurred in the Athens-Lerona area, however in the last few years Mercer County had positive cases throughout the whole county.”

In the first situation, a resident used a shovel to kill a raccoon after it tried to attack his dog, Irwin said. A dead raccoon was found near some pets in the second case.

Both cases had a “definitely high potential” for exposure to rabies, so the health department recommended visits to both physicians and veterinarians, Irwin said.

A total of 54 rabies cases have been identified in Mercer County since 1997. In 2007 there were 14 identified cases and 18 pets known to have been bitten by rabid raccoons, she said.

In West Virginia the primary rabies host animal has been the raccoon, but it has also appeared in dogs, cats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and wolves. Bats are a host animal, too, Irwin said. Cattle and horses occasionally contract the disease from a bite or scratch from another infected animal. The virus is spread through saliva.

Infected animals often display a change in temperament, Irwin said. Friendly animals may become aggressive and wild animals may appear friendly. Other symptoms include drooling or the ap-pearance of choking, tremors, lack of coordination, loss of balance, staggering or erratic behavior and finally paralysis or respiratory failure.

Irwin said residents were advised to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations were up-to-date. In West Virginia only a licensed veterinarian can give the rabies vaccination. Rabies shots are required every two years under state law.

“Check with your veterinarian if you are unsure if your pet is up-to-date,” she said.

People are also advised to avoid stray dogs and cats. Raccoons, skunks, bats and other wild animals should not be approached, either.

Irwin had tips to keep rabid animals away from homes.

“Do not leave pet food outside unattended. A number of pet exposures have occurred at pet feeding areas. If you have a pet door into your home consider securing it so other animals may not enter,” she said.

All food garbage should be secured in vermin proof trash cans and containers. Many of the rabies exposures have occurred near unsecured garbage cans and dumpsters.

“If you are bitten by a domestic pet or wild animal, immediately wash the wound with warm soapy water. Consult your family physician or health care provider. Contact the Mercer County Health Department at 324-8367 to report the bite so your risk of infection can be assessed. Rabies is almost 100 percent preventable if treatment is received before symptoms occur,” Irwin said.

If a pet or livestock is bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal, call the health department to report the incident and check with a veterinarian to see that the animal is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination.