Six animals test positive for rabies in Providence County

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health is alerting the public that at least six animals from Providence County have tested positive for rabies over the last six weeks.

Since March 12, three raccoons in Burrillville, one bat and one coyote in Lincoln, and one raccoon in Providence have tested positive for rabies.

Test results on a raccoon from North Smithfield are still pending.

Rabies vector species include bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, and beavers.

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.

Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure.

People should not wait for symptoms to appear.

Anyone who has physical contact with a wild animal or awakens to a bat in their home should immediately call RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or 401-276-8046 after hours.

If bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.

If a pet has an encounter with a wild animal, contact your city or town’s animal control officer and RIDOH.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by state law to have current vaccination against rabies.

Vaccination of pets prevents them from contracting rabies and prevents people from becoming exposed to rabies through their pets.