Twice in recent weeks attacks by rabid wildlife made Connecticut’s news headlines: first when a raccoon attacked an 88-year old Hamden woman in her home, and second when a bobcat attacked a Bozrah woman.
The Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program complies statistics on rabies, but testing wild animals for the disease is limited, occurring only when they come in contact with people or domestic animals. According to DPH data, between January 1, 2014 and July 31, 2014, there were 72 confirmed cases of rabid animals in Connecticut. The infected animals included bats, cats, foxes, groundhogs/woodchucks, raccoons, skunks, and one sheep. Raccoon infection occurred most often — 45 out of the 72 total cases.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection cautions people to minimize rabies exposure by: (1) vaccinating pets and livestock; (2) avoiding contact with wild and stray animals; and (3) if exposed to rabies, washing the exposed area and immediately contacting medical personnel.
