Last Updated on June 29, 2018 1:32 pm
[Jefferson, NC] – The public health staff, in partnership with Ashe County Animal Control, and Ashe County Emergency Management, are working together to notify the community in and around the Creston community of Ashe County of confirmed rabies cases. There have been 4 confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons over the past month.
County officials are working to ensure that anyone who may have been exposed to rabies get immediate guidance from the local public health communicable disease staff so they can get the recommended treatment needed as soon as possible.
The rabies virus is shed through the infected animal’s saliva. If your dog or cat is attacked by a raccoon or wild animal, wait until your animal dries completely before handling it. The virus dies when the saliva dries out. Always wear gloves. Once your animal is dry, clean your animal with Dawn or a detergent. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the animal.
“Rabies is a terrible, but preventable viral disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly, and contact with stray animals may put you and your family at risk. It is best to be cautious and avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director.
If you determine there is a stray or aggressive raccoon or animal in your area, immediately contact the Ashe County Animal Control office. During business hours call (336) 982-4060 and on the weekend or after hours call Dispatch (336) 846-5600.
Please spay and neuter your pets and keep their rabies vaccination up to date. If your pet needs a rabies vaccination, the Ashe Animal Clinic offers vaccines for $10 with no visit fee charged.
For additional information about rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s website – https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.
For additional information about AppHealthCare or other community resources and health related data, please call our offices, Alleghany (336) 372-5641, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Watauga (828) 264-4995 or visit our website at www.apphealthcare.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
