Photo: EZEQUIEL BECERRA / AFP / Getty Images
New York City health officials are alerting residents about a recent increase in rabid raccoon sightings in Brooklyn. The Department of Health reported three incidents this year, with the latest occurring on April 6 near Gerritsen and Seba avenues in Gerritsen Beach. Previous sightings were in West Midwood in late March and on Avenue I and East 24th Street in Midwood in February.
While no humans were harmed, a dog did come into contact with one of the raccoons. Fortunately, the dog was vaccinated and received a booster shot. According to the DOH, three incidents in four months is unusual, as recent years have seen no more than two reports annually.
In response, the DOH plans to distribute oral rabies vaccine baits throughout the borough. They urge residents to avoid raccoons that appear aggressive, disoriented, paralyzed, or unusually tame, and to report such sightings by calling 311.
Tim Harfmann of News 12 reported that health officials are emphasizing the importance of awareness and caution to prevent potential rabies exposure.
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