Rabid racoons attack in Virginia

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MCLEAN, Va., April 4 (UPI) -- Three men in the McLean area of Virginia were attacked by rabid raccoons in two incidents this week, Fairfax County police said.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that two landscaping workers were believed to have been bitten Thursday when a raccoon emerged from shrubbery.

Authorities have urged both men to seek medical attention since the rabies virus, which is transmitted through saliva, is generally fatal if left untreated.

The newspaper said the second incident involved a 19-year-old man charged by a raccoon while getting out of his car Wednesday evening.

After the man shook the animal from his pants leg, the raccoon went after the man's 12-year-old brother but did not catch him.

The same raccoon is not believed to have been involved in both incidents, police said.