In an effort to keep the public informed, the Matthews Police Department released a statement on social media regarding a recent rabies case within the local wildlife population. According to their announcement, a raccoon captured on Wednesday in the 14200 block of Phillips Road tested positive for rabies. The department stressed that there have been no reported human exposures to this particular raccoon.
As a precautionary measure, officials are urging anyone who, or whose pets, might have recently come into direct contact with a raccoon in the area to reach out to the Mecklenburg County Health Department. The numbers to call are 704-614-6512 or 704-589-3242. The incubation period for rabies can vary, so authorities are asking the community to remain to be vigilant over the next month for any signs of the disease in local wildlife.
The police department's social media post also includes a link to the county's health department website. This link provides additional information on rabies prevention and the symptoms to look for in possibly infected animals.
