What you need to know about rabies on Long Island
Nassau County health officials declared rabies an "imminent public health threat" on Monday.
The rare but potentially fatal disease has been detected in 25 animals throughout the county since July 2024, Newsday has reported.
Health officials and experts said Long Islanders should heed best practices to keep themselves and their pets safe.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. If not treated, it can lead to death. It is spread through the saliva of an infected animal by bites and scratches. People who are exposed to rabies can recover if they receive immediate medical treatment.
How common is it?
Rabies is commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Fewer than 10 human deaths due to rabies are reported each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 100,000 people in the United States receive treatment every year after a potential rabies exposure, the agency said. About three of four people live in an area where rabies is carried by animals.
Why is it spreading on Long Island right now?
Before June 2024, Nassau County had gone without a reported case of rabies in a raccoon since 2016. Experts say there could be many reasons for the resurgence. New animals are born without immunity that comes from exposure and vaccination. Additionally, baits with vaccination were not distributed in areas where raccoons could consume them on an annual basis until recently. New York City also did not distribute baits in wooded areas in 2024.
Six raccoons that tested positive for rabies have been found in Amityville this year.
How can I protect myself and my pets?
People should stay away from wild animals and domestic animals they do not know. The same goes for their pets. Dogs, cats, ferrets and certain other domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and kept up to date with boosters.
What should I do if I see a raccoon or other animal that appears sick?
Nassau County residents should report any dead, sick or abnormal acting animals by emailing rabies@nassaucountyny.gov for possible collection and rabies testing.
In Suffolk, the public should report sightings of abnormally acting raccoons to the Suffolk County Police Department by calling 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.
Anyone who sees a dead raccoon in Babylon, Huntington, Islip or Smithtown is asked to report it to php@suffolkcountyny.gov or call 631-852-5900.
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.
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