Rabies on the Rise: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Rabies is making a comeback in Nassau County, and health officials are concerned. Since last July, there have been 25 confirmed cases of rabies, the highest number in nearly a decade. The last time the county saw numbers like this was before they declared terrestrial rabies eradicated in 2016. Most of the recent cases have been found in raccoons and feral cats. This is a big deal because rabies is a serious disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It's almost always fatal once symptoms show up, but it can be prevented with quick vaccination after exposure. Health officials are urging everyone to be cautious. They recommend avoiding contact with wild animals or strays, keeping pets' vaccinations up to date, and keeping pets indoors at night. If anyone is bitten or scratched by an animal, they should seek medical attention immediately. The problem isn't just in Nassau County. Suffolk County reported six cases of rabies in raccoons back in May, all in Amityville. The state Health Department has also issued a warning, reminding New Yorkers to take steps to prevent rabies infections, especially during the summer. Rabies has been found in animals across all counties in New York. Last year alone, the state's Wadsworth Center Rabies Laboratory confirmed rabies in 313 wild and domestic animals. This shows that rabies is still a significant threat, and everyone needs to stay vigilant. To address the growing concern, Nassau Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman will be discussing the rabies situation at a media event. This is a critical time for everyone to pay attention and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets.