Rabid Raccoon Attacks Person in Newfane

Health officials in Niagara County are confirming that a raccoon who attacked a person in Newfane, had rabies.

The Niagara Gazette describes the incident, which happened on Brown Road in Newfane.

After being attacked, the victim was able to kill the animal, which was then taken for tests at the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center Griffin Laboratory.

The lab confirmed the animal was rabid.

According to the Niagara Gazette, the resident will undergo treatment for exposure to rabies.

Many common animals including bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, can carry rabies.

A diagnosis can only be made by a laboratory:

Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Niagara County, officials said. Rabies is a viral disease that nearly always results in death of the animal that is not adequately protected with a rabies vaccination.
Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the Niagara County Department of Health Environmental Division at 439-7444. Further information on rabies can be obtained from the Niagara County Department of Health at 439-7444 or www.niagaracounty.com/health.