Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is notifying our community that two people were recently bitten by a possibly rabid raccoon in Old Town, Alexandria. 

On March 3, two people reported to Alexandria Animal Control that a raccoon bit them in the Old Town neighborhood around North Henry Street, North Patrick Street, and Cameron Street. We do not know if they were bitten by the same raccoon, but the incidents happened close together in time. 

Due to the aggressive behavior, AHD believes the racoon(s) may have had rabies. No raccoon was captured, but a dead raccoon was found in the area. Health officials think it may be the one that bit the two people, and they are sending it for rabies testing.

AHD is advising people in the Old Town area to look out for raccoons and be especially careful of all wildlife. Rabies exists in our area, and it is always important to be careful around wildlife. 

If you see animals exhibiting symptoms of rabies, please call Alexandria Animal Control at 703.746.4444. 

If you or your pet are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Give first aid as you would for any wound. Then, seek medical care or call your veterinarian. Afterwards, report your exposure to AHD by calling 703.746.4910.

How to Keep You and Your Pets Safe

Do not feed or approach any wild, stray, or feral animals, even if they appear friendly or injured. Make sure your dogs and cats are up to date with their vaccinations. Finally, please remember that dogs must be on leash in all public areas and parks.

About Rabies

Rabies is a preventable, deadly viral disease spread through the saliva due to a bite or a scratch from an infected animal. 

Symptoms of rabies in animals include: 

• unexpected aggression from an animal that would normally avoid people, easily frighten, or run away
• extreme drooling or foaming at the mouth
• walking as if drunk or unusual sluggishness or stupor.

If you have concerns about you or your family being exposed to rabies, please call Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4910 during normal business hours. 

For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Rabies. 

For media inquiries only, contact Eve Elliott at eve.elliott@vdh.virginia.gov or call (804) 467-5160. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call (703) 746-3960.