Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Mechanicsville

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in Mechanicsville, with residents living in the area being asked to report any exposures to the animal to health officials.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Virginia Department of Health's Chickahominy Health District notified residents of the Mill Valley Subdivision in the area of Mill Valley Road, River Pine Drive and River Valley Road in Mechanicsville that a raccoon tested positive for rabies.

According to officials, the raccoon no longer poses a threat to the public.

Anyone who has information about any exposure to the animal in the days leading up to Aug. 1 -- either a bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose and mouth -- is asked to contact the Hanover Health Department at 804-365-4313.

The department said exposures can also include direct contact between a pet and the rabid animal.

After hours, residents are advised to contact Hanover County Animal Control at 804-365-6140.