Maine CDC is looking for a person who moved a rabies-infected raccoon from a road in Wells.
The CDC says rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, and timely post-exposure treatment is critical to prevention.
The person reportedly touched the strange-acting raccoon near the intersection of Sanford Road and Evergreen Drive in Wells Monday morning at about 8 am.
Wells Police later captured the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies.
The CDC is asking anyone who touched a raccoon in Wells to call 1-800-821-5821.
Rabies spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It may also spread through direct contact with the animal’s saliva on an open wound.
The Maine CDC recommends these steps to prevent rabies exposure:
- Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals. Be cautious of stray dogs and cats.
- Do not move wildlife. This can spread rabies into new areas.
- Keep garbage cans or other sources of food tightly secured.
- Keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Wash any bite or scratch wounds with soap and water for 10 to 15 minu
