Raccoon that was the subject of public warnings did have rabies, officials say

A raccoon in Eastham tested positive for rabies following recent reports of multiple raccoons exhibiting symptoms, officials said.  

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement that a dead raccoon was found on Smith Lane in Eastham on Nov. 17 and subsequently tested positive for the disease on Nov. 20. The infected raccoon had porcupine quills embedded in it, according to DPH. 

State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown said anyone who may have interacted with the raccoon should contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

“Anyone who may have interacted with this raccoon should immediately reach out to DPH or the Eastham Department of Health and Environment to ensure their health and safety,” Dr. Brown said. “Given the fatal nature of rabies, we want to be sure that any affected residents have access to post-exposure prophylaxis to protect themselves.”

What to know about rabies

Rabies is a virus carried in the saliva of an infected animal, DPH said. It is spread through a bite, or when the infected saliva enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. Officials said those who come in contact with rabies should immediately receive medical care, specifically by taking a five-dose rabies vaccine over the course of two weeks.

Rabies is potentially fatal. Catching the virus early on is crucial to treatment and prevention, DPH said.

Raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and woodchucks are the animals in Massachusetts most susceptible to rabies, according to DPH. Domestic cats are also likely to get infected due to low vaccination rates, the statement said.

How to protect people and pets from rabies, according to DPH

• Teach children to stay a safe distance from animals and never approach them 
• Report any animal acting oddly to animal control 
• Do not interact with wild animals and do not keep wild animals as pets 
• Vaccinate pets against rabies
• Do not leave food or water for pets outside
• Do not let pets roam freely
• Keep garbage bins covered and chimneys capped

Eva Levin

Eva Levin is a general assignment co-op for Boston.com. She covers breaking and local news in Boston and beyond.

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