Officials warned residents to avoid any wildlife displaying ‘erratic’ behavior.
Northampton authorities are warning residents about “erratic” raccoons in the area that might have rabies.
The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services said Northampton and Easthampton have seen an increase in residents reporting spotting raccoons frothing at the mouth, drooling, and approaching people in a “disoriented manner.” The statement said all of these symptoms are consistent with rabies. However, officials have not confirmed if rabies is behind the strange behavior.
“Rabies is a viral disease that attacks mammals’ brain and spinal cord,” officials said. “It is primarily an animal disease but can spread to humans through direct contact with saliva, typically via bites or scratches, or through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.”
Public health officials warned residents that once symptoms appear, rabies is “almost always fatal” to humans after symptoms appear. However, timely vaccination can prevent death. They said someone who has been bitten or scratched by wildlife should call the 24/7 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Epidemiology Line at (617) 983-6800 for “risk assessment and guidance.”