Nassau County health officials have issued an order due to a public health threat caused by the spread of rabies. Since last July, 25 positive rabies tests have been confirmed, with four additional suspected cases pending testing. This marks the worst situation of rabies in Nassau County since 2016.
According to Dr. Irina Gelman, County Health Commissioner, there is no cause for alarm as human transmission has not been reported yet. However, she emphasized the importance of prevention and urged the public to take precautions to avoid wild animals and stray pets.
The majority of confirmed cases (22) were in raccoons, while three cases involved feral cats. Suffolk County had zero rabies cases last year, but plans to bait its western towns starting in September to combat the spread of the disease.
Health officials advise against feeding or touching wild animals or stray pets and recommend keeping pets indoors at night. After a bite or scratch from an animal, seek immediate medical care. Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects mammals and can be fatal once symptoms appear.
The state’s Health Department has issued warnings for New Yorkers to take steps to prevent rabies infections during the summer. With 313 wild and domestic animals confirmed with rabies last year, the situation is widespread across the state.
Source: https://longisland.news12.com/imminent-public-health-threat-for-rabies-issued-in-nassau-county