Nassau County Declares Public Health Threat Due to Rising Rabies Cases

Rabies Threat in Nassau County

• ⚠️ Nassau County has declared an imminent public health threat due to a significant rise in rabies cases.
• 🎯 More than two dozen rabid animals have been confirmed since last July, with ongoing testing.

Public Health Response and Prevention

• 🚨 The declaration allows the county to secure necessary resources for response and prevention efforts.
• 💉 A raccoon rabies control program, involving vaccine-laced baits, will continue in the fall to immunize wildlife.
• 🗺️ The county has identified rabid raccoons and feral cats in several areas, as indicated on a public map.

Preventing Rabies Exposure

• 🏠 Residents are advised to keep pets indoors, especially during times when wildlife, like raccoons, are more active (typically at night).
• 🚫 It is recommended to avoid feeding wildlife and to observe them from a distance.
• 🩹 Health officials emphasize seeking immediate care if exposed to a potentially rabid animal through bites or scratches.

Pet Vaccination Importance

• 🐶 Vaccinating pets against rabies is not only a state law but a crucial measure for saving lives.
• 🏥 Emergency rooms in Nassau and Suffolk Counties are equipped with rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins to treat potential human exposures.