SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Two more raccoons have tested positive for rabies in Suffolk County, including animals found in Northport and Islip, health officials said.
A member of the public found an apparently ill raccoon outside a Northport residence on Sept. 2, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Another person found an apparently ill raccoon outside an Islip residence on Sept. 3.
In both cases, Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section officers responded and transported the animals for rabies testing, officials said.
The Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health later confirmed that both raccoons tested positive.
No human or pet exposure was reported in either case, according to health officials.
The cases mark Suffolk County's 41st and 42nd confirmed cases of terrestrial rabies since Feb. 7, 2025.
Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is most commonly found in wild animals including raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, though any mammal can become infected.
County health officials are reminding residents not to touch or transport wild animals.
Anyone who sees a raccoon behaving abnormally is asked to call Suffolk County Police at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.
More information about rabies, animal bites and prevention is available through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
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