11/14/2024
For Immediate Release - November 14, 2024
Suspected Rabies Circulating Amongst Raccoons in Northampton and Easthampton Area
NORTHAMPTON - On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received an increase in reports from residents of Northampton and Easthampton about raccoons exhibiting erratic behavior, including frothing at the mouth, excessive drooling, and approaching people in a disoriented manner. While not yet confirmed, these behaviors are consistent with symptoms of rabies, a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects mammals, including humans.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks mammals' brain and spinal cord. It is primarily an animal disease but can spread to humans through direct contact with saliva, typically via bites or scratches, or through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable with timely vaccination following exposure. If you or someone in your household has been bitten or scratched by wildlife, call the 24/7 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Epidemiology Line at (617) 983-6800 for risk assessment and guidance.
In Massachusetts, rabies is most commonly carried by raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:
Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Do not approach or handle raccoons or other animals displaying unusual behavior.
Children: Teach children to observe wild animals and unfamiliar pets from a safe distance and avoid approaching them. Remind them to let an adult know if they see an animal acting strangely or behaving unusually.
Pets: Supervise pets closely when outdoors and ensure they are current on their rabies vaccinations, as this is a critical step in protecting them from this potentially fatal disease.
Secure Food Sources: Keep trash bins tightly sealed and avoid leaving food outside.
Report Sightings: If you see a raccoon or other wildlife behaving erratically please report it.
For sightings in Northampton, please call the Public Safety Dispatch non-emergency line at (413) 587-1100.
For sightings in Easthampton, call the Public Safety Dispatch non-emergency line at (413) 527-1212
If you have a pet that may have had contact with a raccoon or an animal suspected of having rabies, please contact the Northampton Animal Control Officer [email protected] or call the non-emergency dispatch line at (413) 587-1100.
The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with local and state officials to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. For more information about rabies prevention, contact www.mass.gov/rabies or contact the Northampton DHHS at (413) 587-1214.
https://northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28294/Suspected-Rabies-Circulating-Amongst-Raccoons-in-Northampton-and-Easthampton-Area---November-14-2024-PDF
