Health department issues rabies warning for people in East Hills, Penn Hills

PITTSBURGH — Another week, another rabies warning from the Allegheny County Health Department. We’re now up to 14 cases that have been reported in 2017.

The Health Department said Friday that a rabid raccoon was killed by a dog on Frankstown Avenue, inside the city of Pittsburgh limits but close to Penn Hills.

The dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and is doing fine.

“All residents should avoid any kind of contact with wild and stray animals, especially those in the East Hills and Penn Hills areas where the raccoon was killed,” said the Health Department director, Dr. Karen Hacker. “Residents should notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission immediately if any animal appears to be acting strange or becomes threatening.”

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Of the 14 rabid animals reported this year in Allegheny County, seven were raccoons, five were bats, one was a cat and one was a skunk.

If you believe you were bitten or scratched by a stray animal, you should clean the area with soap and water and seek emergency medical treatment.

You should also report the incident to the Health Department at 412-687-ACHD (2243).

Cox Media Group