MOUNT LEBANON, Pa. — A second raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Mount Lebanon this month.
According to the Allegheny County Health Department, the raccoon was discovered near the Shadowlawn Avenue and Racine Avenue, the same area where a rabid raccoon was found last week.
Health officials are warning the public to avoid stray and wild animals, even if they appear healthy. If any animal appears to be acting strange or becomes threatening animal control, local police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission should be contacted.
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- Raccoon found in Morningside tests positive for rabies
- Rabid raccoons found in Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon
- Warning issued after 2nd rabid animal found in North Versailles
Rabies is a virus transmitted by an animal bite or scratch, and exposures due to a bite or scratch are almost always fatal when left untreated. Any individual who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal, should immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the Allegheny County Health Department (412-687-2243) to report the incident.
The health department said so far this year there have been a total of 21 rabid animals; 10 raccoons, seven bats, two cats and one fox.
Cox Media Group