Laboratory test results have confirmed that a raccoon on Center was positive for the rabies virus. This was LaRC’s first ever confirmed case.
Please be aware of your surroundings when walking around the Center. The most common rabies carriers in Virginia are raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Early signs of rabies include behavioral changes such as anxiousness, aggression, and no natural fear of humans. As the disease progresses, animals develop extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Animals may also have seizures or become vicious. The final stage of rabies involves paralysis of the nerves controlling the head and throat. The animal will produce excessive saliva and lose the ability to swallow. As the paralysis progresses, the animal eventually goes into respiratory failure and dies.
Please avoid wildlife as much as possible. If you should encounter an aggressive animal or hear/see anything of concern, immediately call the Protective Services Communications Center at (757) 864-5500. You can also dial 911 from any Center telephone or 757-864-2222 from a cell. If you are bitten on Center please go to the clinic or contact 911 (Center phone) or 864-2222 (cell phone) for help. Try to identify the animal before it runs away, especially if the animal is acting strangely.
At this time no other mammals have been spotted acting erratically or outside their normal behavior patterns.
Please take a moment to read an article on rabies produced by the Environmental Branch: Rabies Outreach Article
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Peter Van Dyke at 757-864-7517 or peter.vandyke@nasa.gov.
