Rabid raccoon in Upper St. Clair marks Allegheny County's 8th positive test in 2018

The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a rabies warning for Upper St. Clair residents.

The department said Friday it had confirmed that a raccoon brought to one of its facilities tested positive for rabies. It was found near Murdstone Road and Salem Drive.

It is the eighth rabid animal — four raccoons and four bats — reported in Allegheny County this year.

The department advises residents to avoid stray animals and wildlife, even if they appear healthy, to avoid exposure to rabies. Pets should be vaccinated, and owners should watch for unusual behavior.

The health department said residents should immediately notify their local animal control service, police, or the state Game Commission about any animal that is threatening or appears to be acting strange.

The rabies virus is transmitted by a bite or scratch, and untreated exposures are almost always fatal.

Anyone who is bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from any animal should clean the area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment, and report the incident to the county health department at 412-687-2243.

Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or on Twitter @BCRittmeyer.