Warwick Raccoon Bite-Scratch Victim Treated For Rabies Exposure: State

The person was bitten or scratched Sunday in the area of Payton Avenue, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Nov 3, 2026 10:28 AM EST

WARWICK, RI — The victim of a raccoon bite or scratch in Warwick has begun treatment for rabies, the state revealed.

The person was bitten or scratched Sunday in the area. of Payton Avenue, the Rhode Island Department of Health said in a media release.

"Although this raccoon was not captured and tested for rabies, raccoons are common carriers of rabies," the release said.

Rhode Island has been plagued by an inordinately high number of rabid animals this year, according to the health department.

"To date in 2026, 46 rabid animals have been identified in Rhode Island," the release said. "This exceeds the average annual number (25) of rabid animals reported between 2021 and 2025."

The health department said Rhode Island's rabid animals were 25 raccoons, 14 bats, four and four skunks, a cat, a coyote and a woodchuck.

Prior to the person treated in Warwick following Sunday's raccoon run-in, 49 others had been "exposed to these rabid animals and received treatment in Rhode Island," according to the department of health.

Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin. It is preventable, however, when treatment is given promptly and correctly after an exposure.

Anyone bitten or scratched by wildlife or an animal acting strangely should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, or water alone, for 15 minutes.

"The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death," the release said. "Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis must be started as soon as possible after exposure and before symptoms appear."

The CDC recommends promptly contacting a medical provider or public health official for an assessment. The type of animal, its behavior, whether it can be tested or observed, and the nature of the contact all help determine whether treatment is needed.