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Craven County health authorities have issued a public warning after a raccoon exhibiting signs of rabies was discovered in New Bern, North Carolina.

The Craven County Health Department received notification of the incident on June 26. While specific locations within New Bern were not disclosed, the discovery has prompted immediate preventative measures and community alerts to mitigate the risk of transmission.

Public Safety Precautions

Health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid any direct contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, which are known carriers of the rabies virus. If an animal is observed behaving erratically, appearing unusually lethargic, or showing unprovoked aggression, residents should maintain a safe distance and contact local animal control services.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. In humans, the virus is typically transmitted through:

• Bites from infected animals
• Scratches that break the skin
• Saliva coming into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes

Managing Wildlife Encounters

To reduce the likelihood of encounters with potentially infected wildlife, the health department recommends the following safety protocols:

• Secure all household rubbish bins with tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting scavengers.
• Do not attempt to feed, touch, or approach wild animals, even if they appear friendly or disoriented.
• Keep domestic pets indoors or under strict supervision, ensuring all vaccinations are up to date.
• Ensure pet rabies vaccinations are current to provide a secondary layer of protection for the household.

If a person or pet is bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, immediate medical or veterinary attention is required. Prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential to prevent the onset of the disease, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Ongoing Monitoring

The Craven County Health Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates should further threats to public health be identified. Local authorities are working alongside wildlife experts to assess the scope of the risk in the New Bern area. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual animal sightings to the appropriate local council or health agency immediately.