2 Raccoons Found With Rabies In Suffolk County

Two raccoons captured in Suffolk County have tested positive for rabies, creating an immediate health threat for local residents, pet owners and anyone who may have come into contact with wildlife. The finding raises concern because rabies can be transmitted through bites or scratches, and the animals were located in populated towns on Long Island.

The Suffolk Health Department issued a warning after laboratory tests confirmed the virus in animals found in Northport, Islip, Bay Shore and Babylon, as reported by WAVY.com. Newsday recorded that one of the raccoons had been in contact with a person in Babylon, while HuntingtonNow and The South Shore Press detailed the separate captures in Northport/Islip and Bay Shore/Babylon respectively.

Coverage does not specify how many additional raccoons may be infected or what containment measures are being enacted, leaving uncertainty about the broader scope of the outbreak.