A raccoon in Scott has tested positive for rabies, bringing the total number of reported animals with rabies in Allegheny County this year to 11.
The animal was spotted along Spring Valley Road, according to the Allegheny County Health Department. It was picked up by local animal control services and brought to one of the health department’s facilities.
So far this year, eight raccoons, two bats and one cat have tested positive for the virus, which is transmitted by an animal bite or scratch, officials said.
Rabies is almost always fatal when left untreated.
The health department advised anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to saliva from a stray or any other animal to immediately cleanse the contact area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the health department at 412-687-2243.
Residents were also reminded to avoid wild and stray animals to avoid exposure to rabies and to make sure their pets are up-to-date with vaccinations.
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 threatening, the health department said.
