More Rabid Raccoons In Rhode Island

More rabid raccoons have turned up in Rhode Island.

The most recent rabid raccoons were found in the Green Earth Avenue area of Johnston and the Plainfield Pike area of Coventry, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Both raccoons were located late last week, the health department reported.

Rhode Island has been plagued by an inordinately high number of rabid animals this year, according to the health department.

"To date in 2026, 48 rabid animals have been identified in Rhode Island," the department said in a media release. "This exceeds the average annual number (25) of rabid animals reported between 2021 and 2025."

The health department said Rhode Island's rabid animals were 27 raccoons, 14 bats, four and four skunks, a cat, a coyote and a woodchuck.

A person was treated for rabies after they were bitten or scratched by a raccoon in Warwick Nov. 1, according to the health department.

Prior to the person treated following the raccoon run-in in Warwick, 49 others had been "exposed to these rabid animals and received treatment in Rhode Island," the health department reported.

Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin. It is preventable, however, when treatment is given promptly and correctly after an exposure.

Anyone bitten or scratched by wildlife or an animal acting strangely should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, or water alone, for 15 minutes.

"The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death," the release said. "Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis must be started as soon as possible after exposure and before symptoms appear."

The CDC recommends promptly contacting a medical provider or public health official for an assessment. The type of animal, its behavior, whether it can be tested or observed, and the nature of the contact all help determine whether treatment is needed.

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