Health Dept. Issues Rabies Alert

The New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) advised New Yorkers to stay away from stray or wild animals (e.g., skunks, raccoons, and bats) that can carry rabies. DOHMH also warned New Yorkers to be careful of animals exhibiting abnormal behavior, such as attempting to interact with or attack pets, stumbling, or acting disoriented, since these may be signs of rabies. Anyone who sees animals behaving in this way should report them to the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) Animal Rescue by calling 3-1-1 or the local police precinct.

DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, "New Yorkers should take precautions to ensure that children and pets avoid wild animals such as raccoons bats and skunks, and stray dogs and cats. While there has not been a human case of rabies in New York City in more than 50 years, humans can contract rabies from an infected animal through a bite, scratch, or infected animal’s saliva contact with broken skin. Vaccinating your pet prevents rabies, and it’s the law."

Thus far this year, there have been four laboratory confirmed cases of rabies (two raccoons and two skunks, all from the Bronx), compared with 12 reports through July 9 last year. The number and type of rabid animals in New York City varies from year to year but usually includes raccoons, skunks, and bats, although domestic animals can be infected. While there have been no reported cases of domestic animals with rabies so far this year in New York City, three cats tested positive in the past two years.

Dr. Frieden reminded New Yorkers to license pets and vaccinate them against rabies. Initial rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are valid for one year, and re-vaccinations are valid for one or three years, depending on the type of vaccine. New Yorkers should also remember to leash their dogs in public, which is the law in New York City and will help prevent pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

As rabies can only be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, simple exposure to a rabid animal will not result in rabies. If bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact a medical provider immediately. Also, if possible try to keep track of the animal’s location to facilitate possible pick-up for rabies testing. If bitten by a domestic animal, try to get the owner and animal’s information so that the animal may be monitored for signs of rabies. If you are unsure whether you’ve come into contact with the animal, contact a medical provider immediately.

If preventative treatment is necessary and is obtained promptly following exposure, most cases of rabies can be prevented, however, untreated cases will always result in death. Preventative treatment requires prompt washing of the bite site with soap and copious amounts of water, followed by the administration of rabies immune globulin (dosage depending on weight) and five doses of rabies vaccine administered into the arm on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after exposure.

To report wild animals – including raccoons—that display unusual behavior such as approaching propel during daylight hours, New Yorkers can call the CACC at 3-1-1. All animals bites should be reported to DOHMH by calling 3-1-1, or online at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vet/vetegp.html. For more information on rabies, visit nyc.gov/health.