POMONA – Residents in Clarkstown are being alerted that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies on April 14 after it bit a local resident. The raccoon was found in the area of Maple Avenue in New City. The individual bitten by the rabid animal is now undergoing vaccinations to prevent rabies.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said rabies continues to be “a serious public health problem” in Rockland. She said persons should report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the health department at 845-364-2585.
Ruppert recommends other precautions:
Be sure pet dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Keep family pets indoors at night.
Don’t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.
Teach children not to touch any animal they do not know and to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten by any animal.
