First Oneida County Rabies Case

Camden, NY - A Camden teenager is being treated for rabies exposure after caring for a sick raccoon that was killed after it started acting strangely.

Tests confirmed that the animal was rabid.  It is not yet known whether other teens who also handled the animal will have to be treated as well.

This marks the first confirmed case of rabies in Oneida County this year.

Health Department officials caution the public against handling stray or wild animals, particularly when they exhibit aggressive or erratic behavior.

The unseasonably mild winter is causing animals that are normally dormant to be roaming about, so human contact is apt to be more common.

For more information on rabies prevention and a complete schedule of rabies clinics available contact the Oneida County Health Department at (315) 798.5064 or visit them online at: 0cgov/oneida/health.  The next clinic will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.