Rabies Alert In South Charlotte After Raccoon Tests Positive

CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County Health Department issued a rabies alert notification in south Charlotte Tuesday evening after a raccoon tested positive for rabies, becoming the 11th animal to test positive for rabies in the county this year.

The alert for Delshire Lane neighborhood in the 28273 zip code was to be issued Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control said in a statement.

"There were no human or pet exposures," AC&C said.

Here's a list of where animals have tested positive for rabies in Mecklenburg County this year:

• 7 raccoons (28226, 28227, 28207, 28273, 28205, 28216, 28273 zip codes)
• 1 fox (28078 zip code)
• 2 bats (28205, 28270 zip codes)
• 1 cat (28105 zip code)

AC&C said the rabies incident underscores the importance of keeping pet vaccinations up to date.

AC&C offers a free monthly rabies vaccination clinic for Mecklenburg County residents, on the second Saturday of every month. The clinic operations from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the animal shelter at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte. The clinic also offers microchipping for $10 and free pet identification tags.