The CDC issued a health advisory about rising rabies exposures after receiving 17% more rabies-related inquiries in July and August than a year earlier, according to Spectrum News 1.
About 150 animals in New York have tested positive for rabies this year, with the highest numbers in Erie, Jefferson, Lewis and Suffolk counties.
Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin, but timely treatment after exposure is nearly 100% effective.
The CDC urges anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to wash the wound immediately, seek medical care and report the incident to their county health department.
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets.
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