Raccoon found in Mission Hill tests positive for rabies

Boston health officials are urging residents to be vigilant around wild animals roaming the city, after multiple raccoons tested positive for rabies.

The latest animal known to be carrying the disease was found near Hillside Avenue in Mission Hill last week. It is the fifth raccoon that tested positive in Boston — three raccoons with the disease were found in Jamaica Plain and one was reported in Roslindale.

Boston Animal Care and Control said on Friday there were no cases of people being exposed to rabies through infected animals.

The disease is transmitted through a bite, scratch or or any other break in the skin through which  the animal's saliva or nervous tissue can enter the body. It can also spread after coming into contact with the eyes, mouth or nose.

City officials are urging residents to get their pets vaccinated. Free vaccines for cats and dogs will be available at BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center on Sept. 16 and at BCYF Tobin Community Center on Sept. 30.

Residents are advised to keep clear of wild animals and seek immediate medical health if they're bitten or scratched. They should also contact Boston Animal Care and Control if they notice odd behavior, injury or sickness in their pets.

More information on rabies and how to prevent it is available here on the city of Boston's website.