Fairfax County Police Department News

Animal Control Officers responded to a report of a raccoon attack on a path nearby the South Run Rec Center today on Wednesday, June 10 at around 9:30 a.m.

A 75-year-old woman was walking along a paved path near the overpass of Lee Chapel Road when she stopped to take a photograph of a raccoon. It suddenly charged her. She sustained bites on her leg, hands and forearms. She was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The raccoon has not been captured and was last seen running into the park. Officers and park personnel are searching for the raccoon; the trail nearby is temporarily closed.

It is unknown, at present, whether or not the animal is rabid, however aggressive tendencies such as those exhibited today are one of the signs of rabies.

More information on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips, and what to do if an animal bites is available: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/rabies/

(June 9, 2015)Neighborhood Rabies Canvas Follows Raccoon Attack Animal Control Officers Help Educate Residents

 Animal Control Officers distributed rabies information to residents in the Kings Park area today after a man was attacked by a rabid raccoon in the 5300 block of Kings Park Drive on Sunday, June 7. A man was working in his garden around 12:30 p.m. when a raccoon quietly approached him from behind and viciously bit him causing almost a 12” long laceration. Animal control responded to the scene and shot the animal when it charged the officer. It was subsequently laboratory tested and found to be positive for rabies. The victim was treated and is taking appropriate medications.

So far, in 2015 there have been 21 positive rabies animal cases investigated by Animal Control Officers; there were 50 in 2014.

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 (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid.

More information on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips, and what to do if an animal bites is available: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/rabies/