LAWNDALE, NC — The Cleveland County Health Department says the county’s first rabies case of 2019 has been confirmed.
A raccoon found on J.M. Lane in Lawndale tested positive for the virus, officials say. It is the first rabid animal identified in Cleveland County this year.
Health officials say any pet or person that may have come in contact with the raccoon (bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva) should contact their healthcare provider or the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-484-5100 for a rabies assessment.
In an effort to prevent the possible spread of rabies, the health department offers the following tips:
- Vaccinate pets. In accordance with North Carolina law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be kept currently vaccinated against rabies and must wear a rabies tag. Cats are the most commonly identified domestic animal with rabies.
- Get a follow up booster shot for pets exposed to rabies: If pets are exposed to rabies, they should receive a booster dose of rabies vaccine if they are currently vaccinated at the time of exposure. If pets are not currently vaccinated against rabies when exposed, the animals will be euthanized or quarantined for six months in accordance with state law.
- Seek medical attention: If you are exposed to rabies, please seek medical guidance from your healthcare provider or the local health department.
- Limit stray and feral animals. In Cleveland County, the cities of Shelby, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs and Grover require all dogs to be kept on a leash. Individuals should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats. Feral cat colonies should be intensively monitored and their location reported to Cleveland County Animal Control at 704-481-9884.
- Do not pet or catch wildlife alone. Raccoons and other wildlife serve as carriers of rabies in North Carolina. They are not pets and should be left alone.
Anyone who sees an animal demonstrating abnormal behavior should call the Cleveland County Animal Control Department at 704-481-9884.
