Mecklenburg County confirms fourth case of rabies in 2026 

IFAW

Mecklenburg County Public Health confirmed the fourth case of rabies in 2026 when a coyote exposed a hum and pet on June 6.

Mecklenburg County’s fourth confirmed case of rabies in 2026 involved a coyote in Huntersville. 

The county public health department confirmed the case on June 6 involving a coyote that exposed a human and pet. The human and pet are undergoing treatment. The coyote exposure is the first among that species in the county since 2018. 

Rabies, a viral disease that is fatal if left untreated, can be prevented through vaccination. Healthy animals and humans can be infected through a bite, scratch or licking by a sick animal. Rabies most often occurs in wild animals such as bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks.

After a confirmed case and exposure, the county public health department conducts contact tracing and alerts neighborhoods impacted through canvassing and social media. When there is potential for wider exposure, the county will issue an alert.

People should never approach, contact or feed wild animals, even if they appear friendly or need medical attention. Also, public health officials encourage parents talk to their children about not touching wildlife and make sure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

If you or your pet is bitten, scratched, or exposed by a coyote, contact Public Health at (704) 336-6400. Also, if you see a stray or wild animal acting sick or erratically, call Animal Care and Control at 311.

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