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Rabid Raccoon Found in Lima, NY Triggers Public Health Alert

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. und-in-lima-ny-triggers-public-health-alert.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 1:10 GMT by fingerlakes1
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

Lima, N.Y. - February 18th, 2026 - The Ontario County Public Health Department issued a public health alert today following the confirmation of a rabid raccoon found in the Town of Lima. This discovery serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing presence of rabies within the county and the importance of preventative measures for both residents and their pets.

The raccoon, successfully tested at the county health laboratory, confirmed the presence of the rabies virus, triggering an immediate response from public health officials. While isolated incidents of rabies are not uncommon, this case is prompting a renewed push for public awareness and responsible animal interaction.

"This is a reminder that rabies is present in Ontario County," stated a Public Health spokesperson. "It's critical that pet owners ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinations are the best defense against this deadly disease." The department is emphasizing that consistent vaccination is the most effective way to protect companion animals - dogs, cats, and ferrets - from contracting the potentially fatal virus.

Understanding the Threat of Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system of mammals. It's typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites or scratches. The virus travels along nerve pathways, eventually reaching the brain, causing progressive and devastating neurological symptoms. While rabies is relatively rare in humans due to widespread vaccination programs for domestic animals, it remains a significant public health concern.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that globally, rabies causes tens of thousands of human deaths annually, with the vast majority occurring in areas where canine rabies is not well controlled. Though uncommon in the United States, encounters with rabid wild animals pose a continuing risk.

Symptoms and What To Do If Exposed

Symptoms of rabies in humans are varied and can initially resemble flu-like illnesses, making early diagnosis challenging. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, general weakness or discomfort, and pain or itching at the site of the bite. As the disease progresses, more severe neurological symptoms develop, including anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is almost invariably fatal.

If bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or if an animal behaves suspiciously, the following steps are crucial:

• Wash the wound immediately: Thoroughly wash the bite or scratch with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek medical attention: Consult a healthcare professional immediately, even if the wound appears minor. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of vaccinations and potentially immunoglobulin, is highly effective in preventing rabies if administered promptly after exposure.
• Report the incident: Report the incident to the Ontario County Public Health Department at (585) 394-7420. Reporting helps health officials track potential exposures and assess the risk to the community.
• If possible, safely identify the animal: Without putting yourself at risk, attempt to identify the animal. If safe to do so, report the animal's location to animal control or the health department. The animal may need to be captured and tested for rabies.

Wildlife and Vaccination Rates

Common carriers of rabies in Ontario County, and across New York State, include raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and occasionally woodchucks. Public health officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with all wild animals. Do not approach, feed, or handle them, even if they appear tame or friendly. Keep pets under close supervision when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

Ontario County's rabies vaccination rates among domestic animals are generally high, but public health officials are urging residents to verify their pets' vaccination status. Expired vaccinations leave animals vulnerable to infection. Local veterinary clinics offer rabies vaccinations routinely.

The Ontario County Public Health Department encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual animal behavior. Strange behavior can include unprovoked aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty walking, or appearing unusually friendly. Early reporting can help prevent potential exposures and protect the health of the community.