FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2005

RABIES ALERT

Rabid Raccoon Located in Elmsford

The Westchester County Department of Health today issued a Rabies Alert to residents who may have had contact with a rabid raccoon found in the vicinity of Sears Avenue in Elmsford. The raccoon was captured and killed on July 3rd. The New York State Department of Health tested the raccoon and it was confirmed positive for rabies today. Prior to being captured, the raccoon bit one person.

"Anyone who believes that he or she, or a pet, may have had contact with this raccoon should contact the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000 to assess the need for life saving rabies treatment," stated Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Westchester County Commissioner of Health.

Dr. Lipsman warns that anyone bitten by a rabid animal or having contact with its saliva may need to receive immediate post-exposure rabies treatment. “When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is 100% effective,” he said. “However, once symptoms occur, in humans or animals, the disease is fatal”, he added.

“It is imperative for pet owners to immunize their animals against rabies and to ensure that these vaccinations are kept up to date," said Dr. Lipsman. "Previously vaccinated domestic animals such as dogs,

cats and ferrets, that have experienced contact with this raccoon require a booster vaccination within five days of exposure. Such incidents must be immediately reported to the health department," he continued.

Dr. Lipsman added, “A change in an animal's behavior is the first sign of rabies. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable, or, conversely appear particularly passive. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

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Rabid Raccoon P.2

Adults should encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they have been bitten by an animal and to refrain from touching unfamiliar animals.”

All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, 24 hours a day. For more information about rabies and its prevention, residents can also call the RABIES INFOLINE at (914) 813-5010 or visit the Health Department’s Website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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