Rabid Raccoons Reported in Northport and Islip

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that two additional raccoons found in Suffolk County have tested positive for rabies.

A member of the public found a raccoon that appeared to be ill outside a Northport residence on September 2 and another member of the public found a raccoon that appeared to be ill outside an Islip residence on September 3. During each incident, Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Service Section officers responded, and the raccoon was transported for rabies testing. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services was notified of the positive results by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health.

There was no reported human or pet exposure to either raccoon.

These are the 41^st and 42^nd positive terrestrial rabies confirmations since February 7, 2025.

Rabies, a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. Residents are reminded not to touch, or transport, wild animals.

Anyone who sees an abnormally acting raccoon is asked to call the Suffolk County Police Department non-emergency number at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.

For more information on rabies and prevention, visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Diseases-and-Illness/Report-Animal-Bites