NORTHAMPTON — City officials are cautioning that there may be an outbreak of rabies among wild raccoons in the area, two weeks after a feral cat in Northampton tested positive for rabies.

According to the Northampton Department of Health and Humans Services, there has been an increase in reports from Northampton and Easthampton residents of raccoons exhibiting erratic behavior such as frothing at the mouth, excessive drooling and approaching people in a disoriented manner. Though officials have yet to confirm, those symptoms are consistent with rabies, which can spread through mammals and can prove lethal to humans if not treated after exposure.

Two weeks ago, the city of Northampton disclosed that a feral cat, described as large, black and with long hair, was found in the area around Clement Street in Florence and tested positive for rabies at the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory.

With local wild raccoons now exhibiting symptoms, city officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent them (or their pets) from contacting the disease.

“Do not approach or handle raccoons or other animals displaying unusual behavior,” according a statement put out by the mayor’s office. “Supervise pets closely when outdoors and ensure they are current on their rabies vaccinations, as this is a critical step in protecting them from this potentially fatal disease ... keep trash bins tightly sealed and avoid leaving food outside.”

A viral disease that can spread through mammals, rabies causes encephalitis or brain inflammation, and is lethal if not treated before symptoms start to appear. The disease can spread through an animal’s saliva, such as a bite, scratch, open wound, feeding, or if saliva gets into a person eyes or mouth. The disease can be prevented with prompt administration of a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine.

The city is also advising residents who feel their pets may have come in contact with the cat to contact the Northampton animal control officer at aco@northamptonma.gov or call the non-emergency dispatch line at 413-587-1100.

The Northampton DHHS is working closely with local and state officials to monitor the situation and will provide updates. For more information about rabies prevention, contact mass.gov/rabies or contact DHHS at 413-587-1214.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.