A raccoon captured in Bethel Park recently tested positive for rabies, according to the Allegheny County Health Department.
It was captured near the 1000 block of Clifton Road.
The raccoon is the 25th animal that has tested positive for rabies this year. The others to test positive include 18 raccoons, five bats and two cats.
The health department suggests people look for animals with unusual behavior and stay away from them. People should notify an animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission to report such an animal.
The rabies virus can be transmitted to humans by a bite or scratch and is “almost always” fatal if left untreated, according to the health department.
People who think they may have been exposed should seek treatment immediately and call the department at 412-687-2243 to report it to the health department.
