Rhode Island rabies cases reach 34 after two Warwick raccoons test positive

Two raccoons found about 5 miles apart in densely populated neighborhoods of Warwick tested positive for rabies this week, the latest cases in a year when Rhode Island’s tally of rabid animals has climbed well above its five-year average.

The raccoons were found near Walter Street and Duncan Road, the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed Wednesday. Three people and two dogs were treated for possible exposure.

The pair of raccoons brings the total number of rabid animals identified in Rhode Island this year to 34, according to the Department of Health. Between 2021 and 2025, the state averaged 24 record rabid animals.

State Veterinarian Scott Marshall said there’s no clear explanation for the increase, though he suspects this summer’s drought could be playing a role.

“It’s possible that the dry conditions might have led to scarcity of resources, particularly water,” Marshall said. “There’s all these resources that are here for them, which just makes it easy for them to live here versus the middle of the woods.”

Most rabid animals caught this year have been in the northern part of the state, according to the Department of Health. Cases have thus far included 20 raccoons, 10 bats, one cat, one coyote, one skunk and one woodchuck.

State health officials are reminding the public that all dogs, cats, and ferrets need to be vaccinated per state law. These animals can acquire and transmit rabies from other animals. 

Left untreated, rabies is nearly always fatal, with a mortality rate of around 100%. Prompt post-exposure treatment, however, virtually eliminates the risk of death. About 60,000 people receive post-exposure treatment each year in the United States, according to the U.S. National Park Service. 

So far this year, 43 people have been treated after being exposed to rabies. More information about rabies is available on the health department’s website.