Raccoon That Attacked Three In Westchester Confirmed To Be Rabid

The department used robocalls on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to notify nearby residents.

The first of the attacks in Port Chester occurred on a woman at the corner of Halstead and Madison avenues shortly after 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. 

The raccoon then bit a man nearby on Halstead Avenue, before it attacked another man in a nearby backyard on Willett Avenue. 

That man’s father killed the raccoon with a shovel and contacted Port Chester Police Department, who secured the raccoon for rabies testing.

All three people who were bitten are receiving preventive rabies treatment.

:“Stay alert and closely supervise children and pets when outside," Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said. "If you see an animal that is acting aggressively, stay away from it and contact local police immediately.”

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. Residents are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, 24 hours a day.

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