Positive rabies test in Pamlico County

MERRITT, Pamlico County — Pamlico County Animal Control has confirmed a rabid animal captured in the area of Florence Road, Merritt, has tested positive for rabies.

To reduce the likelihood of pets being exposed to rabies, for the next 45 days, animal control is requesting all pets be kept on the owner’s property at all times, unless the pet is leashed and under the control of a responsible adult.

Local veterinarians offer rabies vaccinations at a reduced price, by appointment only.

Animal control will be in the area conducting a rabies canvass. Any pets that do not have a current rabies vaccination may result in the owner(s) being charged.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.

As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty swallowing and hydrophobia. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.