NBC New York Authorities in one Long Island county are issuing an imminent public health threat over a concerning rise in the number of cases of rabies, a disease local health officials say they eradicated nearly a decade ago.
Since July 2024, Nassau County has confirmed 25 rabid animals, including raccoons and feral cats, across multiple communities, health officials say. They note the cases mark a “significant resurgence” of rabies, which had previously been eradicated in Nassau County in 2016 following aggressive control efforts.
Current surveillance data shows that the virus is now circulating in the county.
Health officials say they’ll continue their already in place Raccoon Rabies Control Program this fall as part of a comprehensive effort to mitigate the spread. Rabies is a viral disease spread to humans and pets primarily through bites, scratches, or salivary contact to open wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth, from an infected animal.