Oneida County confirms two new rabies cases in bat and raccoon

The Oneida County Health Department has confirmed two new rabies cases involving a bat in Chadwicks and a raccoon in Westmoreland.

In the Chadwicks incident, a bat found at a residence tested positive for rabies, resulting in exposure to one person who is currently receiving post-exposure prophylaxis. In Westmoreland, a raccoon tested positive after contact with two dogs and one person. The dogs are scheduled to receive rabies booster shots, and the exposed individual is undergoing post-exposure treatment.

Health officials are advising residents to monitor wild and stray animals for warning signs, such as unusual aggression, extreme shyness, or foaming at the mouth, and to contact local animal control rather than approaching the animals.