Dartmouth warns patrons of rabies risk after woodchuck visits ice cream parlor

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) —  The town of Dartmouth is warning the public of a rabies risk after a woodchuck recently visited a local business.

The advisory comes after one wandered to John George Ice Cream at about 5 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone who was there around that time and had contact with it is urged to contact their health care provider for a rabies assessment immediately.

Health officials said woodchucks, also called groundhogs, are high-risk animals for transmitting rabies.

“Rabies is a serious disease and consultation with medical staff is needed after possible exposures,” health officials said.

Officials said even animals that seem healthy may carry the rabies virus in their saliva. The virus is spread to humans from contact with saliva through a bite or scratch, or if there’s contact to a wound, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Those who believe they may have been exposed can also contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.