On Monday, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported that two raccoons tested positive for rabies last week, bringing the total number of reported rabid animals in the state this year to 48. This count is almost double the average annual number of the previous five years.
According to RIDOH data, the majority of positive specimens this year have been raccoons, with other rabid species including bats, skunks and coyotes.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system and is most often transmitted through animal bites. A medical regimen, called rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, can be administered after suspected exposure to prevent onset of the disease. Without treatment, infection is virtually 100% fatal.
According to RIDOH spokesperson Joseph Wendelken, “a number of factors” — including increased testing and larger human presence in animal habitats — could be contributing to the rise in rabies reports.
“We really don’t have an explanation,” R.I. State Veterinarian Scott Marshall said. He added that scientists originally thought the increase in reports was due to dry conditions earlier in the year that forced animals to “expand their ranges” to search for resources, but the trend has held steady even as the dry conditions have subsided.
According to Marshall, Rhode Island is home to two types of rabies: terrestrial and bat rabies strains. Although these strains are specific to distinct species, the strains can cross and infect other species.
Among human rabies reports, the bat strain is most dominant because many exposures go unreported, Marshall said, noting that it can be more difficult for people to realize they’ve been exposed to bat rabies.
The United States reports fewer than 10 human deaths from rabies annually, while Rhode Island has not reported a human case of rabies since 1940. But globally, rabies is responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths every year.
An estimated 1.4 million Americans seek medical evaluations for exposure each year, and roughly 100,000 receive rabies PEP treatment. National data shows that the CDC has received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August of this year compared to the same period in 2025.
“When you have an animal that’s been in contact with a suspected rabies case, it needs to be vaccinated within 96 hours,” said Leanne Garzone, animal control officer and supervisor for North Smithfield. As of last week, her town had reported three animal cases so far in the past year.
Garzone emphasized the importance of reporting potential infected animals.
“The public in general and the citizens just need to be aware. They need to be vigilant,” Garzone said. “Check your yards before you put your pets outside, before the kids go outside. Cover your trash containers. Try not to feed the wildlife.”
Maxwell Silver is a senior staff writer covering health and environment.
