Trumbull health district offers tips to avoid rabies

Staff report

WARREN

The Trumbull County General Health District reminds residents to avoid wild animals and to vaccinate their pets against rabies.

So far in 2015, three county raccoons have tested positive for rabies.

These suggestions are intended to protect people against rabies:

Do not touch or feed wild animals or stray dogs or cats.

Keep garbage in tightly sealed containers.

Stay away from any animal that is behaving aggressively.

Stay away from any wild animal that appears ill or acts unusually friendly.

To protect your pet against rabies:

Make sure your dog or cat is up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.

Keep your dog leashed while outdoors, and do not leave them unattended.

Do not try to separate animals that are fighting.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water.

Seek medical care from your health provider.

If the animal is not owned and can be captured, call your local health department.

If the animal is a pet, get the owner’s name, address and telephone so that the health department can monitor the animal.