The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department says laboratory tests have confirmed a dead raccoon collected last week tested positive for rabies — the first confirmed case in 2026.
Public health officials are urging residents to make sure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. They also advise people to watch for wild animals behaving unusually and to secure trash cans to avoid attracting wildlife.
Officials say anyone who may have come into contact with a potentially rabid animal should contact local health authorities immediately.
