Raging raccoon captured after attacking 3 people in Washington, DC

A rabid-infected raccoon attacked three people and two pets in a Washington neighborhood before he was arrested, a health official said.

Raccoon tests confirmed the presence of rabies. The animal was "humane euthanized," said the health department.

Officials confirmed that three people had been attacked by the raccoon. They all receive post-exposure anti-rabies treatments. Two pets also attacked by the animal received a booster shot and were placed under isolation after being evaluated by a veterinarian.

Health officials in BC are urging people who may have met the raccoon to reach out.

Rabies is most often transmitted by the bites of an infected animal, but can also be transmitted through saliva or scratches.

Rabies is fatal in humans and in the animal if a preventive treatment is not given immediately.