Northampton family dog positive for rabies: Health officials

A family pet in Northampton County that recently fell ill tested positive for rabies after he was euthanized Monday, according to the Eastern Shore Health District.

The unvaccinated dog was was taken to the Cape Charles Animal Hospital on March 4, officials said, after falling "severely ill." It was then determined the dog's symptoms were suggestive of rabies.

After the animal was euthanized, officials said the veterinarian requested that it be tested by the Northampton County Health Department for rabies. On Wednesday, March 6, the lab reported the results came back positive. 

Rabies Alert Notices have been distributed to nearby residences, the release shows, and anyone who was exposed to the dog is being appropriately treated. However, anyone who had contact or who’s pet had contact with this dog in the Wilkins Drive area of Cheriton at any time since Feb. 20 is being asked to immediately contact the health department at 757-442-6228. It was described as a 1 1/2 year old, male, mostly black, long-haired dog with a long tail, with white face markings and white paws, weighing about 20 pounds.

“This most recent incident is a reminder that we must all keep a heightened sense of awareness regarding rabies,” Eastern Shore Health District Environmental Health Supervisor Keith Privett said in the release.

Here are some of the most important things people can do to protect themselves:

• Keep all pets vaccinated against rabies and be sure to keep vaccinations current.
• Keep your pets on your own property; do not allow them to run at large.
• Avoid contact with stray or unknown pets and avoid contact with wildlife.
• Report all animal bites to the local health department or sheriff's office.

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