Thursday, October 1, 2026
Rabies is back in Nassau County, after nearly a decade of peace from the viral disease. Irina Gelman, the Nassau County health commissioner, officially declared rabies an imminent public health threat on July 22.
Since July 2024, rabies has spread among both wild and feral-domesticated animals. The county’s Department of Health has confirmed the presence of 25 rabid animals in multiple communities around the county, including raccoons and feral cats.
To date, no human cases of rabies have ever been reported in Nassau County thanks to post-exposure medical treatments. However, Department of Health surveillance data is showing the virus may have a presence across the county.
“The resurgence of rabies in Nassau County, with its high population density and after nearly a decade of absence, represents a serious and evolving public health concern,” Gelman said. “This declaration allows us to respond to prevent further spread and protect the health and safety of Nassau County residents.”
Rabies affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal bites or scratches, or if infected saliva enters into open wounds, eyes, the nose or the mouth.
The disease was eradicated in the county in 2016, following an aggressive campaign to control its spread.
To combat the spread of rabies among wild animals, the health department will continue the Raccoon Rabies Control Program later this year. The long-term program provides medical attention for raccoons by using oral rabies vaccines, hidden in baits placed all throughout the county. Raccoons are typically the largest culprits behind the spread of rabies; immunizing them is one of the most effective strategies to drive the virus back into nonexistence.
By reducing rabies in wildlife, both residents and pets are less likely to be accidentally contaminated by an unusually aggressive raccoon or feral cat.
“Protecting public health and safety is a top priority in Nassau County,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “With this declaration, we are taking decisive action to safeguard our residents, their families, and their pets from this dangerous virus.”
The best ways to reduce exposure to rabies are to reduce exposure to risky animals, county officials said.
A risky animal — such as a wild raccoon or a stray dog — should always be avoided, and homeowners should avoid making food sources available outdoors. If such an animal approaches your property or your pets and children, bring them inside and wait until the animal leaves.
For both pets and livestock, neither should be allowed outside without some supervision, and should not be allowed to wander at night as raccoons are nocturnal. To protect animals they should be given an up-to-date rabies vaccine as soon as possible. Do not touch a dead or dying animal without full protection, such as heavy- duty rubber gloves and double-bagged trash cans.
If a person is scratched or bitten by an animal, seek immediate medical care. Whether it is a person or a pet exposed to rabies, contact the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663, or (516) 742-6154 after typical business hours and report the incident.
To report sick, dead or abnormal animals, go to Rabies@nassaucountyny.gov to get the animal tested.
To learn more about rabies, visit the department of health’s website at NassauCountyNY.gov/5710/Rabies-Animal-Bites.
