The Lenoir County Health Department (LCHD) has received confirmation from the North Carolina State Laboratory that another raccoon in the county has tested positive for rabies.

On Feb. 9, Animal Control was summoned to a home in the area of La Grange with concerns about a raccoon.

This is the third raccoon in as many weeks that has been identified as rabid within the county; the other two were in Kinston. No people or pets are known to have been in contact with the latest raccoon.

“Rabies is a disease that can lead to severe health consequences in people and animals,” Lenoir County Health Department Director Pamela Brown said. “My appreciation goes to the homeowner who reported the animal and the Animal Control officer’s response to ensure this raccoon could not hurt anyone.”

In order to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe, please follow these guidelines:

•  Let the Health Department, the hospital or your doctor know if you have been scratched or bitten by or have handled an animal that could be rabid

•  Do not approach or touch a wild animal or an animal that could be rabid

•  Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations

•  Keep pets away from stray or wild animals

For questions or concerns about rabies, please call the LCHD at 252-526-4200. For information about vaccinating pets for rabies, please contact a veterinarian.