15th Rabies Case Confirmed In Suffolk County

AMITYVILLE, NY — Suffolk County health officials are urging residents to take precautions after a raccoon found dead in Amityville tested positive for rabies — marking the 15th confirmed terrestrial case in the county this year.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said the animal, discovered on Oct. 18, was confirmed rabid by the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center. Officials noted that no humans were exposed.

This latest case follows a concerning trend of rabies detections in western Suffolk County. Nine rabid animals have been found in Amityville this year, three in Deer Park, two in Lindenhurst, and one in Wyandanch. Fourteen of the cases involved raccoons and one was a feral cat. Before 2025, the county had not reported a locally acquired terrestrial rabies case since 2009.

“If you live in the western portion of Suffolk County, mind your pets, and if you see a stray animal that looks sick or injured, call us or the state Department of Environmental Conservation,” said Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. “Our surveillance continues, and we are hopeful that in time our raccoon rabies baiting program will reduce and eventually eliminate terrestrial rabies in Suffolk County.”

Rabies is a deadly viral disease spread through the saliva or nervous tissue of infected animals, typically via bites. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, irritability, and itching at the exposure site. Without treatment, the disease can progress rapidly to paralysis, throat spasms, and delirium before becoming fatal.

Health officials stressed that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies under New York State and Suffolk County law. Vaccinated pets not only protect themselves but also act as a critical barrier preventing the spread of the virus to humans.

Residents are advised to keep pets leashed, avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and keep garbage tightly secured to discourage wildlife from approaching homes. People should never touch dead or dying animals and should use gloves or a shovel if removal is necessary.

Children should be instructed to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.

Sightings of raccoons acting strangely should be reported to Suffolk County Police at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.

Animal bites or possible rabies exposures should be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-854-0333 during weekday business hours, or 631-852-4820 after hours.

Residents in Babylon, Huntington, Islip, or Smithtown who encounter a dead raccoon are asked to report it by emailing php@suffolkcountyny.gov or calling 631-852-5900 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the New York State Department of Health’s rabies fact sheet or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.