27 January 2010

Rabies in Central and Morningside Parks, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Following an increase in reported cases of rabies in raccoons in Central Park and Morningside Park, Manhattan, the New York City Health Department has issued an alert to the public advising against any contact with raccoons, skunks, bats, stray dogs and cats, and other wild animals that can carry rabies [1]. During 2009, 12 raccoons with rabies were identified in Manhattan; the majority of cases (10) were identified during the month of December 2009 [2], indicating an increase in transmission of rabies in the raccoon population in the borough.  Between 6 January and 14 January 2010, a further eight raccoons in Central Park and the surrounding area have tested positive for rabies [3]. 

New York State is endemic for rabies [4].  In New York City, cases of rabies in raccoons have been reported most frequently from the Bronx and Staten Island, rarely in Manhattan and Queens, and have never been reported in Brooklyn [1].   Bats with rabies have been found in all five boroughs of New York City and the disease has been identified in other wild and stray domestic animals in the city in previous years [5]. There have been no human cases of rabies in New York City since 1953 [1].

Advice for travellers

The risk of rabies to travellers visiting all parts of the United States, including New York City is very low.

Rabies is transmitted following contact with the saliva from an infected wild or domestic animal (including bats) often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound.

Risk of exposure is increased by type of activity (e.g. running, cycling), occupation (e.g. veterinarians) and long duration of stay. Children are often at increased risk, as they are more likely to seek animal contact and may not report a bite, scratch or lick.

Animals with rabies can look normal, appear sick, disoriented and aggressive, or be unusually placid. Travellers should avoid contact with any wild and domestic animals, including pets and be made aware that without prompt treatment after exposure, rabies is almost invariably a fatal disease.

Most travellers to New York City will not need pre-exposure rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccine should be given to adults and children at increased risk of rabies (see above) or who are travelling to areas where medical care is not readily available. Following an animal bite, scratch or lick wounds must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and an urgent medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial. Prompt post-exposure treatment is required, even if pre-exposure vaccine has been received.

If bitten or scratched by an animal in New York City emergency rabies advice is available from New York City Health Department. Alternatively, for British citizens who have returned to the UK, urgent medical advice should be sought from their GP or NHS Direct.  Expert advice for health professionals is available from the Health Protection Agency.

References

1. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Bureau of Communicable Diseases. Press Release: December 7 2009. Health Department Cautions New Yorkers to Avoid Wild Animals and Vaccinate Pets against Rabies. [Accessed 26 January 2010]. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2009/pr080-09.shtml

2. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Bureau of Communicable Diseases. Rabies (Hydrophobia). Animals Testing Positive for Rabies in New York City in 2009, year to date. [Accessed 26 January 2010]. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cdrab-borough-2009.shtml

3. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Bureau of Communicable Diseases. Rabies (Hydrophobia). Animals Testing Positive for Rabies in New York City in 2010, year to date. [Accessed 26 January 2010]. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cdrab-borough.shtml

4. New York State Department of Health. Wadsworth Centre. Rabies History in New York State. [Accessed 26 January 2010]. Available at: http://www.wadsworth.org/rabies/history.htm

5. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Bureau of Communicable Diseases Animal rabies in New York City. [Accessed 26 January 2010]. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/rabies_animal

2007.pdf

Links

NaTHNaC Country Information Pages

NaTHNaC Information Sheet on Rabies

Emergency rabies advice: New York City Health Department

New York State Department of Health: Rabies

Rabies page on Health Protection Agency website