Officials said a raccoon killed last week in Lawrenceville has tested positive for rabies.

Authorities said the raccoon was killed after residents reported it acting strangely on May 10 near 43 ½ and Railroad streets.

According to Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE, tests confirmed late Monday that the animal had rabies.

The Bureau of Animal Care and Control said the raccoon is Lawrenceville’s first case of rabies in at least 15 years and only the third in Pittsburgh since 2008.

"The danger is of it spreading," Gerald Akrie, a supervisor with animal control, said. "If rabies is not caught in time you can die from it."

Animal control officials said they are working with the Allegheny County Health Department and state officials to go door-to-door in Lawrenceville to warn people of the incident.

Officials said anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical care immediately.

The rabies treatment consists of relatively painless injections in the arm instead of the excruciating stomach injections given many years ago, officials said.

In addition, pet owners are advised to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies and keep them away from raccoons and other animals that may carry the virus. 

If a pet encounters such an animal, especially if it is bitten or comes in contact with its saliva, owners are advised to wear rubber gloves when handling the pet, cleanse any wounds with soap and water and take it to a veterinarian for examination.

Authorities said rabies is most commonly seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, groundhogs and stray cats.

Health officials warn that when you see these animals anywhere or if one comes on your property, don't touch or go near it.  In most cases, the animal will eventually go away but if it should stay or become threatening, call your local animal control service, the police or the Game Commission.