The following information is provided to the university community due to the proximity of the Mount Vernon Campus to Georgetown.

Two animals (raccoons) with rabies were discovered in Georgetown on August 2 and August 5.  On August 12, the DC Department of Health tests indicated the animals tested positive for rabies.

There have been no reported cases of human exposure to these animals.

The DC Department of Health offers the following “Tips to Prevent Rabies”:

• Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies as required by law.  All dogs and cats more than four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.  Keep vaccinations current at all times.
• Keep dogs and cats under control.  Animal control laws prohibit allowing animals to roam unsupervised.  Roaming pets are more likely to have been exposed to rabies than those supervised by their owners.
• Leave stray or unknown dogs and cats alone.  Loose animals are more likely to have been exposed to rabies and to attack others.  Keep pets away from strays, too.
• Leave wild animals alone.  Avoid wild animals even if they appear friendly, and do not coax a wild animal to eat from your hand.  Do not fear wild animals, just respect and stay away from them.  Very young children can learn this rule.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets.  Even a raccoon or skunk born in captivity may be a rabies carrier.  Local laws prohibit acquiring of keeping such animals as pets.  There are no approved vaccines or known quarantine for wild animals.
• Make your property unattractive to wild animals.  Cap chimneys and seal off any openings in attics, under porches and in basements.  Feed your pets indoors and keep trash cans tightly closed.

As always, all persons are advised to avoid contact with any wild animals (including raccoons, foxes, and bats).  If a wild animal is seen inside a GW building or on campus, please call the GW Police Department at 202-994-6111 on the Foggy Bottom Campus and at 202-242-6111 on the Mount Vernon Campus.

For additional information on rabies, visit the following websites:

• DC Department of Health (DOH):  http://hrla.doh.dc.gov/hrla/cwp/view,a,1384,q,574052.asp
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC):  http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/