RABIES WARNING

NEW CITY, NY, - - The Rockland County Department of Health requests that anyone in the community that may have any knowledge of a male who was bitten by a raccoon over this past weekend at Kakiat Park in Suffern, NY, contact the Department of Health at 845-364-2594 or the Rockland County Sheriff's Office at 845-638-5400.

The incident may have occurred on either Saturday 1/11/2020 or Sunday 1/12/2020. The raccoon could potentially be a rabid animal and the bite victim will need to seek immediate medical attention.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable; or conversely appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Residents who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should avoid contact with the animal and alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies.

Once again, any person with knowledge of this incident is asked to please contact the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2594 or the Rockland County Sheriff's Office at 845-638-5400.