Public health officials in the Dartmouth, Massachusetts community have issued an advisory about a groundhog at a well-known ice cream parlor in the city.
Anyone who has had direct contact with a groundhog at John George Ice Cream around 5:00 p.m. Sunday is urged to contact their health care provider, or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, for a risk assessment. of rage.
City health officials said the groundhogs are considered high risk in terms of rabies transmission, warning that even those that appear healthy can carry the virus in their saliva.
People can be exposed to the virus if they come in contact with saliva through a bite, scratch, fresh wound, eyes, nose, or mouth.
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis can be given to prevent disease after exposure.
They said they could be reached at 617-983-6800, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
