If a person or pet does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. No dogs have tested positive for over 60 years. The disease is rare-with the last human case of rabies in New York City reported in 1947, according to the Health Dept. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten by a rabid animal. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. The bait is not harmful to pets and cannot cause rabies, but it can cause vomiting if several baits are consumed, officials say. In the unlikely event someone comes in contact with the liquid, they are advised to wash their hands with warm, soapy water, talk to their doctor, and notify the NYC Poison Control Center at 1-80. The bait itself does not harm people, officials say, but in extremely rare instances, exposure to the liquid may cause a rash. Raccoons are attracted to the odor, and when raccoons chew the bait, they can become immunized, protecting them against rabies infection. They resemble a ketchup packet, which conceals a small amount of pink, liquid vaccine. The baits are small and brown, and fish scented, according to the Dept. The baits are being distributed with the goal of eliminating the virus. “New Yorkers should be advised - if you see a raccoon, give them space, and never approach or try to feed them,” said Sarah Aucoin, Chief of Education & Wildlife for NYC Parks. In New York City, rabies is mostly found in raccoons. The city is advising residents to avoid racoons given the rabies danger. The locations where raccoons were found in Queens that tested positive for rabies
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