4 People Attacked By Raccoon In Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, D.C. — Four people were sent to the hospital after they were bitten by a raccoon in Georgetown, health officials said.

The incidents happened near Montrose Park at 31st and R St. NW. Wednesday night, the D.C. Department of Health said.

Four individuals were sent to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and treated for rabies as a precaution.

The raccoon has not yet been caught, officials said.

Anyone who had contact with a raccoon in D.C. is urged to call a doctor and the health department.

Both humans and their pets are at risk, especially if the pets have not been vaccinated.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.