Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In Stonington, Health Officials Say

STONINGTON, CT — A raccoon found on Wamphassuc Road in Stonington tested positive for rabies on Friday, according to a statement from the Ledge Light Health District.

It's the third animal to test positive for rabies in the area this month. Previously, a cat tested positive for rabies in North Stonington, and a bat tested positive for rabies in East Lyme.

"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people," the statement from the health district reads. "It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)"

The health district also gave the following advice to residents:

• Refrain from feeding or approaching wild or stray animals
• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines
• Limit your pets' unsupervised time outside

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Ledge Light Health District at 860-448-4882 or Stonington Animal Control at 860-599-4411.