The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health has confirmed the third positive rabies test of 2019 for Orange County, officials said on Tuesday.

The case originated in southwest Orange County near Ford Road and Angel Way on Friday, July 26. A resident’s dog “called her attention to a small raccoon that appeared lethargic,” according to a release from the county.

Animal Control crews responded and removed the raccoon, which did test positive for rabies.

The dog at the home had a current vaccination and is able to receive a booster rabies vaccination, which is required within four days. An unvaccinated animal must either be destroyed or quarantined for up to four months.

A communicable disease nurse from the Orange County Health Department is also working to assess the rabies risk of the individuals involved because the dog was bathed after coming into contact with the raccoon.

Raccoons and bats are the host species for rabies in our community. Other animals carrying rabies are likely infected through “spillover effect” from one of the two host species.

This is the third positive rabies case for Orange County this year, following four last year and nine the year before.

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