February 5, 2021 at 12:35pm
As if the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, there’s now an apparent rabies outbreak in Arlington County.
Two days after the county warned of a possible rabies exposure in the East Falls Church neighborhood, animal control has captured two additional raccoons “showing neurological signs consistent with rabies.”
The raccoons were both captured in residential north Arlington neighborhoods: one on the 4300 block of 37th Road N., in the Old Glebe neighborhood near Glebe Road Park and the Gulf Branch Nature Center, and another on the 5100 block of 37th Road N., in the Rock Spring neighborhood near Williamsburg Middle School.
Arlington issues warning after potentially rabid raccoon bites person
Potentially rabid raccoons raising concerns in Arlington
Arlington officials are warning people after a few raccoons showed symptoms consistent with rabies - including one that bit a person.
ARLINGTON, Va. - Arlington officials are warning residents to beware after a lethargic raccoon bit a person last week, potentially exposing them to rabies.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington says the raccoon – which bit the person in the 4200 block of 25th Street North – has not been located, although Arlington County Animal Control Sgt. Cliff Ballena said animals that contract rabies often die quickly.
December 29, 2020 at 9:00am
A potentially rabid raccoon with a taste for human flesh is on the loose in the Donaldson Run neighborhood.
The raccoon bit a person last week on the 4200 block of 25th Street N., two blocks from Taylor Elementary School, according to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. It ran off and “has not been located.”
Two other raccoons with rabies-like symptoms have been removed from the neighborhood by animal control officers over the past month, AWLA said.
Arlington residents, particularly those in the Donaldson Run area, are being encouraged to remain vigilant.
“If you or your pet may have come into contact with any wild animals including bats or raccoons, please call Arlington County Animal Control at 703-931-9241 immediately, after hours please stay on the line to speak with the answering service who will alert an officer,” the organization said last night in a statement.