A raccoon found recently in Lawrence Township has tested positive for rabies. Because of this increased occurrence of rabies the Lawrence Health Department has issue a rabies alert.
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is most frequently spread through a bite from an infected animal. Bites are the primary route of transmission because the diseased animal has the rabies virus in its saliva but transmission may also occur with exposure to the saliva without a bite occurring.
Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs represent about 95 percent of the animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States. Domestic farm animals and other wild animals may also become infected. Rodents such as rats, mice, chipmunks and squirrels are rarely infected.
Rabid animals are usually either vicious and aggressive (“furious” rabies) or act dazed and are partially or totally paralyzed (“dumb” rabies). They often have trouble walking and may appear to be “drunk.” People should stay away from all wild and stray domestic animals, which are aggressive or appear to be sick. Some wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and groundhogs, may be able to infect people even though they appear to be normal, and these animals should be avoided at all times.
Rabies in humans is rare in the United States. The most common source of human rabies is bats. Findings show that limited or seemingly insignificant contact with rabid bats may result in the transmission of rabies virus to humans. Any contact with downed bats and other ill-appearing wildlife should be avoided and all physical contact with bats should be reported and carefully evaluated by a physician for possible rabies exposure. By law all animal bites must be reported to the local health department.
Because rabies has been identified in the area, it is important to remind all residents of the requirement and public health importance in vaccinating and licensing cats and dogs. Please check your pet’s records to verify their rabies vaccination is current.
Please contact the Lawrence Township Health Department at (609) 844-7089 for any additional information.
