Rabies Alert: Rabid Raccoon Caught In Hudson Valley

PORT CHESTER, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health announced that a raccoon that was captured Sunday after it attacked three people in Port Chester has been confirmed to be rabid. The county Health Department used robo-calls today to notify nearby residents.

The first attack occurred on a woman at the corner of Halstead and Madison avenues shortly after 2:30 p.m. The second attack occurred a short while later when a man was bitten nearby. The raccoon then attacked another man in a backyard on Willett Avenue. The man’s father killed the raccoon with a shovel and contacted Port Chester Police Department, who secured the animal's carcass for rabies testing.

All three people who were bitten are receiving preventive rabies treatment.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said people should stay alert and closely supervise children and pets when outside.

"If you see an animal that is acting aggressively, stay away from it and contact local police immediately,” she said.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or, conversely appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Anyone who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should avoid contact with the animal and alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies. People are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day.

Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the RABIES INFOLINE at 914-813-5010.

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