The Rhode Island Department of Health is alerting residents after at least six animals in Providence County tested positive for rabies over the past six weeks, raising concerns about potential human and pet exposure.
Since March 12, confirmed cases have been identified in multiple communities: three raccoons in Burrillville, one bat and one coyote in Lincoln, and one raccoon in Providence. Test results are still pending for a raccoon found in North Smithfield.
Health officials say rabies remains a serious and often fatal disease if not treated promptly after exposure. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can lead to brain infection and death if post-exposure treatment is delayed.
Rabies is most commonly found in so-called “vector species,” including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs and beavers. Officials are urging residents to avoid contact with any wild or unfamiliar animals, especially those behaving erratically.
Anyone who has physical contact with a wild animal — or wakes up to find a bat in their home — should immediately contact RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Residents who are bitten or scratched are advised to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care right away.
Local animal control officers should be notified of any suspected rabid animals. Pet owners are also urged to report encounters between pets and wildlife.
State law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, a measure health officials say is critical to preventing transmission to humans. Keeping pets up to date on vaccinations, leashing dogs and not allowing animals to roam unsupervised are among the key recommendations.
RIDOH is also advising residents not to feed wildlife or leave pet food outdoors, as this can attract potentially infected animals. Garbage should be secured to prevent scavenging.
More information about rabies prevention and response is available through the Rhode Island Department of Health.
