Rabies Alert: Raccoons on the Loose in Amityville

Amityville is in the spotlight for a concerning issue. Two raccoons in the area have been confirmed to have rabies, and health officials are worried about the disease spreading. This is the first time since 2009 that rabid raccoons have been found in Suffolk County. The first case was discovered on January 28. Then, another raccoon was found dead on March 4. This is a big deal because it means the disease might be spreading. Health officials are asking for help from the public. They want everyone to make sure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. This is important because rabies can be deadly to both animals and humans. The concern doesn't stop at Amityville. Residents in nearby towns like Babylon, Islip, Huntington, and Smithtown are also urged to be cautious. If anyone spots a dead raccoon, they should report it to the health department right away. Before these cases were confirmed, there were already reports of sick raccoons in the area. In late December, a rabid raccoon scratched a resident in Massapequa Park. Around the same time, police in Amityville had to deal with another sick raccoon. The situation is serious, but it's not time to panic. By taking simple precautions, like keeping pets vaccinated and avoiding contact with wild animals, residents can protect themselves and their pets. It's important to remember that rabies is a preventable disease. With the right precautions, the spread of rabies can be controlled. This is a good reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and take care of their pets.