Rhode Island rabies alert after six animals test positive

Rhode Island health officials are urging caution after at least six wild animals in Providence County tested positive for rabies over the past six weeks. The confirmed cases include three raccoons in Burrillville, a bat and a coyote in Lincoln, and a raccoon in Providence. Test results are also pending on a raccoon from North Smithfield.

The Rhode Island Department of Health issued a public alert advising residents to avoid any wild animals behaving erratically and to contact animal control immediately if they encounter one. High-risk species for rabies transmission include bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, and beavers.

Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear, but it's entirely preventable if treated promptly after exposure. The virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and the window between exposure and onset is the only opportunity for effective treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis.

State law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to maintain current rabies vaccinations — not just for the animal's protection, but to prevent the virus from reaching humans through pet encounters.

What This Means For You: If you live in or are visiting Rhode Island, keep your pets' vaccinations current, don't approach wild animals (especially those acting strangely), and if you wake up to find a bat in your home, contact health authorities immediately — bat bites can be so small they go unnoticed. Call RIDOH at 401-222-2577 (business hours) or 401-276-8046 (after hours).