Rabid Coyote Attacks Prompt Heroic Response in Rhode Island

A rabid coyote in Rhode Island likely attacked two people in neighboring towns within two days, prompting state officials to issue a warning. The coyote, which tested positive for rabies, bit a hiker in Johnston and another person in Scituate. While human cases of rabies are rare, the state has had terrestrial rabies since 1994, with the dominant strain being the raccoon variant. Officials urge anyone who may have come into contact with the coyote to seek medical attention, as without post-exposure vaccination, rabies cases are virtually always fatal.