Two Kings Park residents and their dogs exposed to rabid raccoons

Two Kings Park residents and their dogs were treated for rabies exposure after coming in contact with raccoons in two separate incidents, officials said Friday.

Both raccoons tested positive for rabies after the encounters, which took place on Monday and Tuesday.

In both cases, the dogs had "physical encounters" with raccoons outside a residence, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.

Both people received post-exposure treatment and the dogs, which were already vaccinated against rabies, received booster shots. Rabies can be fatal in humans if it is not treated promptly. Human deaths by rabies are very rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with fewer than 10 nationally each year.

A local outbreak of terrestrial wildlife rabies has been making its way across Long Island since six cases — four raccoons and two cats — were discovered in Nassau County in 2024. That number jumped to 27 in 2025 — 26 raccoons and one stray cat — and then dropped to one raccoon so far this year.

Suffolk County reported 51 positive terrestrial rabies confirmations since Feb. 7, 2025 — 49 in raccoons and two in stray cats.

The counties are conducting vaccine-baiting programs, in which packets of liquid rabies vaccine, coated with fish meal and oil, are distributed in wooded areas and other locations where raccoons congregate.

Health officials urged Long Islanders to make sure their pet cats, dogs and ferrets have updated rabies shots, since they are often the barrier between humans and wildlife. Residents are advised not to touch or transport wild animals.

Long Island has a large population of raccoons, from 40 to more than 100 per square mile, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

They have adapted well to urban and suburban areas, and healthy raccoons are often seen foraging for food during the day, despite their reputation as nocturnal animals. Signs of illness include stumbling, walking in circles and unusual aggression.

Suffolk officials said anyone who sees a raccoon acting abnormally should call the Suffolk County Police Department non-emergency number at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.
 

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.