Rabid Raccoon Picked Up In Jamaica Plain

BOSTON (CBS) - A raccoon picked up Thursday evening in Jamaica Plain has tested positive for rabies.

Boston Public Health officials say the raccoon was wandering near Amory Street. At least one person made contact with the animal. Officials did not clarify what "contact" meant, but they say that person was not bitten.

They are asking anyone who had direct contact with the rabid raccoon to notify them and to contact their healthcare provider.

"If anyone was in direct contact with this raccoon… they need preventive treatment against rabies, and they should contact us and their health care provider as soon as possible," said Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Boston Public Health Commission."Persons who did not touch the raccoon are not at any risk."

Pets that may have had direct contact with the raccoon should be evaluated by their veterinarian.