Public Health Notice

Town of Paris – Public Health Notice\ Rabies Confirmation in Local Wildlife

The Town of Paris has been notified by Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory that a raccoon from Paris tested positive for rabies on April 24, 2026.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is commonly found in wild animals throughout Maine. While the risk to the general public remains low, it is important to take precautions to prevent exposure.

What Residents Should Do:

• Avoid contact with all wild animals, especially those that appear sick, injured, or behaving unusually.
• Do not attempt to handle stray or unfamiliar animals.
• Ensure all pets are current on rabies vaccinations.
• Supervise pets when outdoors to reduce the risk of encounters with wildlife.
• Report suspicious animal activity to local animal control or public safety officials.

If You Are Exposed:\ If you or your pet may have been bitten or had direct contact with a wild or unknown animal, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical or veterinary care right away.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about rabies prevention: www.maine.gov/dhhs/rabies
• Order educational materials: www.maine.gov/dhhs/order
• Contact Maine CDC: 1-800-821-5821
• Watch a rabies prevention video: https://youtu.be/QIW15-vywxA

The Town of Paris encourages residents to stay informed and take simple precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.

For updates, please continue to check the Town’s website or official communication channels.