Raccoon that bit Swampscott crossing guard had rabies

SWAMPSCOTT – The raccoon that bit a school crossing guard earlier this week and prompted a lockdown at Clarke School has tested positive for rabies.According to Director of Public Health Jeff Vaughn, the Swampscott Health Department was notified Friday that the raccoon that bit Judith Hapgood on May 13 was infected.”The health office received confirmation from the state that the raccoon involved in the incident has tested positive for rabies,” he said. “The victim is currently receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.”Hapgood said she wasn’t surprised the rabies test came back positive.”I know when it attacked me it had rabies,” she said. “It was really aggressive. At the time I was a little shaken by the whole thing. But I’m glad it was me and not a kid. If the kids had been outside who knows what would have happened.”Hapgood, who returned to work the next day, said the wound isn’t too painful.”I don’t feel bad,” she said. “The more I move around the better I feel.”On Friday, Hapgood returned to Salem Hospital once again for another round of rabies shots, which she said are not as painful as she initially feared.”The shots aren’t given in the abdomen like they used to be,” she said. “They give them in different spots. The most painful shot was on the day I got bit. They had to give me shots of antibiotics directly into the wound. That was more painful than the bite.”Hapgood said she still needs several more rounds of rabies shots.Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said Hapgood was stationed at the Clarke School on Norfolk Avenue when she felt something rub against her leg and was then bitten by a raccoon. Cassidy said school officials made a decision to place the school in lockdown until the animal was disposed to ensure the safety of the children. Police officers located the animal behind a house across from the school and the animal was shot.Vaughn said animals with rabies could appear aggressive, known as furious rabies or normal or meek, known as dumb rabies. He said the most common signs of rabies include neurologic signs, such as paralysis and uncoordinated movement, and hypersalivation. He said rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no reason, or they may lose their fear of people and seem to be unnaturally friendly.”Not all rabid animals act in these ways, however,” he said. “So you should avoid all wild animals especially bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. The behavior of the animal is not a reliable indicator of whether or not the human exposed is at risk.”Vaughn said the rabies prevention guidelines issued by the health department include keeping a safe distance from and avoiding contact with wildlife. He said people should not touch or feed any type of stray animal, whether it is a domesticated breed or wild animal. Vaughn said it is important for all pet owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies.To keep wild animals away from your home, Vaughn said garbage can lids should be securely fastened and any possible entry point into the home should be blocked.According to the health department, if a person is bitten or scratched by an animal, they should wash the wound for 10 minutes and see a doctor immediately.Vaughn added if your pet is bitten or scratched by another animal, you should wear gloves when handling or cleaning your pet. He also recommended contacting your veterinarian.Vaughn said residents having a problem with an animal should contact the Health Department at 781-596-8864 during business hours. If an incident occurs after hours, residents should contact the police department.