ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Rowan County Public Health issued a rabies alert after a kitten in Landis and a raccoon in China Grove tested positive, leading to several people undergoing treatment. Families told Channel 9 about the frightening moments that put their loved ones at risk.
‘Be careful’
Dawn Carter showed Channel 9’s Dave Faherty where a rabid raccoon bit her husband near their garage in China Grove. She said he used a towel to capture the animal and then placed it into this trash can until help arrived.
“Just be careful,” said Carter. “Make sure you know what’s around you. Keep your eye out. It scares me to think someone out here would get really badly hurt.”
Her husband is getting a series of shots after the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The attack happened right around the time Pam Miller’s grandchildren were getting on the school bus.
“We have our dog. He’s got his rabies shots,” said Miller. “I guess that’s the best we can do. Just watch and keep our animals vaccinated.”
‘Scary’
A woman, who didn’t want to be identified, said she, along with her two sons, are being treated for rabies after their three-month-old kitten became sick. At first, they had no idea it was possibly exposed.
“And it’s scary,” the woman said. “I think it’s everybody needs to get their pets a rabies vaccine as soon as possible.”
The kitten was too young to get a rabies shot, the owners said.
What to know about rabies
These incidents that happened in the last few weeks have prompted affected people to begin post-exposure vaccinations, highlighting the ongoing risk of rabies in the community and the need for vigilance when interacting with animals.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is always fatal once symptoms appear.
It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches.
While wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common carriers, domestic animals can also become infected, especially if they are unvaccinated or exposed to wildlife.
Signs of rabies in domestic animals may include unusual behavior, such as daytime activity in nocturnal animals, aggression, or passivity, as well as physical symptoms like staggering, drooling, or paralysis.
If a pet exhibits any of these symptoms, residents are advised to contact Rowan County Animal Enforcement immediately.
Feeding or approaching wild animals can increase the risk of rabies transmission and encourage wildlife to enter residential areas.
Residents are urged to secure garbage and pet food, keep yards clean, and seal entry points to homes.
If bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, individuals should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the incident to Rowan County Animal Enforcement.
Prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the virus from progressing.
Vaccinating pets is one of the most effective ways to prevent rabies.
The Rowan County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccinations by appointment for $10.
Residents are encouraged to keep their pets’ vaccinations up-to-date and supervise them when outdoors.
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