| By Bob Weaver
While several local residents believe rabies has spread to the raccoon
population and
a rabid fox was killed on Little Creek (SEE earlier Hur Herald story),
the West Virginia
Department of Natural Resources and the health department need further
proof
before Calhoun or Wirt can be declared outbreak areas.
Rabies spread in West
Virginia.
Rabies has been spreading south and west in West Virginia for several
years (SEE
map) and Calhoun and Wirt is on the edge of the declared counties.
Numbers of rabid animals reported in raccoons,
skunks and foxes since
1985
If you would become exposed to a bite from a fox, raccoon or skunk, or
have a family
pet that is presenting symptoms (SEE earlier Hur Herald story):
Wash the wound immediately with warm, soapy water. This can really
reduce the
chance of infection.
Consult a doctor immediately.
Contact the local health department.
The biting animal should be caged (if a pet) for observation and
examined by a vet.
The head of the wild animal taken to the local department, carefully
removed without
direct contact with body fluids. The brain should not be damaged when
it is killed.
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