Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Lowellville

Staff report

LOWELLVILLE

Laboratory reports have confirmed that a raccoon found in the vicinity of Rocket Place in the village of Lowellville on state Route 289 tested positive for rabies.

Officials from the Ohio Department of Health did a preliminary test on the raccoon that indicated it had rabies, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the finding, said Mary Helen Smith of the Mahoning County District Board of Health.

The raccoon was found April 30, and the results from the state lab were received May 7.

Although there were no known exposures to other animals or humans in this case, Smith reminded residents to protect themselves from the threat of rabies by following these rules:

Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious around stray cats and dogs.

Teach children to leave wildlife alone, and be sure that your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches him or her.

Have your pet cats, dogs and ferrets vaccinated for rabies, and keep their vaccinations current.

Keep trash-can lids secure. Open containers can attract wildlife.

Feed pets indoors. Never leave food outdoors that can attract wildlife.

Report any bite incidents to your local health department, and call your doctor for medical advice.

Surveillance for raccoon rabies variant in wildlife is an ongoing activity in Mahoning County.

Residents who see a raccoon, skunk or fox that is dead but not decayed or involved in a pet or human exposure in Youngstown are asked to call the Youngstown City Health District at 330-743-3333; residents of all other county communities are asked to call the county health board at 330-270-2855, ext. 2.