Authorities in New York have warned other folks visiting Prospect Park in Brooklyn to be on the lookout for an “unusually aggressive” squirrel.
Well Being officials said the “in all probability rabid” rodent attacked at least five other people at the park ultimate week, four of whom have because been traced.
A 5th person, who used to be strolling while attacked, has been recommended to seek medical attention, native media report.
Squirrels are hardly infected with rabies, a disease that may end up fatal.
But officers from New York’s Health Department said in a press release they were assuming that this particular squirrel may have gotten smaller the disease following stories of what it defined as “unusual aggressive behaviour”.
Someone who thinks they could have been bitten within the park just lately should get fast scientific advice, the department said.
However, regulars to Prospect Park are refusing to be intimidated via the animal.
“i am not gonna take a seat there and be a victim of some squirrel,” Tookes, a publicist from Crown Heights, told the Ny Put Up. “Among me and my canine, lets take the squirrel,” she mentioned.
Another native, 36-12 months-old Sara Haynes, solid doubt on the rabies idea, suggesting that squirrels in Brooklyn were clearly aggressive, the The Big Apple Occasions mentioned. “They Are just bold,” she stated, including: “it is not preventing us.”
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The incidents happened close to the Parkside and Ocean Street entrance of the park between 18-20 July, local media report.
Rabies is a viral infection that is affecting the anxious system.
It is a zoonotic illness, one passed on to people from animals, and is transmitted by way of saliva from inflamed animals – most commonly dogs.
There are not any identified cases in the US of squirrels passing the illness to people.