Yes, you can get rabies from a raccoon, which is a major source of potential exposure to the virus in North America. Rabies is a severe viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, leading to progressive and ultimately fatal encephalomyelitis if left untreated. The virus, a Lyssavirus, is present in the saliva and nervous tissue of an infected animal. While human cases are rare due to effective post-exposure treatment, the disease is nearly 100% fatal once clinical symptoms begin to appear. Raccoons are a significant public health concern because they act as a primary reservoir for a specific variant of the virus.
Raccoons and the Current Rabies Landscape
Raccoons are the most frequently reported rabid terrestrial wildlife species in the United States, making them a primary focus of public health surveillance. The majority of all rabies cases reported annually in the U.S. occur in wild animals, with raccoons consistently accounting for a large percentage of these wildlife cases. This prevalence is largely due to the Raccoon Rabies Variant (RRV), which is endemic across the entire eastern U.S., extending from Florida up to New England and into Eastern Canada. The RRV reservoir became established in the eastern states following the translocation of infected raccoons into the mid-Atlantic region in the late 1970s. This created an epizootic—an outbreak of disease in an animal population—that spread rapidly across the landscape.
Transmission Routes and Warning Signs
The virus is transmitted primarily when the infectious saliva of a rabid animal enters the body of another mammal through a break in the skin or contact with mucous membranes. This occurs most commonly via a bite, but a scratch contaminated with saliva is also a route of transmission. The virus must travel from the site of the exposure to the central nervous system before the disease can manifest. A raccoon exhibiting unusual behavior should be treated with caution, as these signs may indicate a neurological infection like rabies. Rabid raccoons may lose their natural fear of humans, approaching people or pets without hesitation, or they might be observed active during the daytime.
Signs of Neurological Impairment
Indications of neurological impairment include:
- Staggering or difficulty walking.
- Partial paralysis of the hind legs.
- Excessive drooling.
- Unprovoked aggression.
- Appearing disoriented and lethargic.
Any raccoon displaying these behaviors should be avoided immediately and reported to local authorities.
Emergency Protocol Following Contact
Immediate and thorough first aid is the initial step following any potential exposure, such as a bite or scratch from a raccoon. The wound must be washed meticulously with soap and water for several minutes. This physical cleansing is a simple but highly effective measure to reduce the amount of virus introduced into the wound. Following first aid, seek professional medical consultation without delay. Report the incident to a healthcare provider, the local health department, or animal control to begin a risk assessment. This consultation determines the necessity for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is a series of treatments that prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
The standard PEP regimen for a person not previously vaccinated against rabies consists of two components. The first is Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG), which provides immediate, passive immunity by injecting antibodies directly into and around the wound site. The second component is the rabies vaccine, administered in a series of four injections over 14 days (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14). This treatment is almost 100% effective if administered promptly after exposure, before the onset of symptoms.
Proactive Prevention Measures
The most effective way to prevent rabies exposure is to minimize contact between humans, pets, and wildlife. Securing all domestic pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, with current rabies vaccinations is necessary. Vaccinated pets serve as a protective barrier, preventing the spread of the virus to humans if they are exposed to a rabid raccoon.
Removing attractants that lure raccoons onto your property significantly reduces the risk of encounters. This involves keeping trash cans tightly secured with locking or weighted lids and never leaving pet food or water bowls outside. Eliminating these easy food sources discourages raccoons from lingering near human habitation.
Never attempt to feed, approach, or handle any wild animal, even if it appears injured. Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife. If a sick or injured raccoon is observed, contact local animal control or wildlife experts, as only trained professionals should manage the animal.