OLD BRIDGE – A raccoon that bit a Monmouth County resident who was visiting Cheesequake State Park has tested positive for rabies.
On Aug. 9, the person, who was not identified, was bitten by a raccoon while walking on a trail in the park, according to information provided by the Middlesex County Office of Health Services. The raccoon was sitting on the side of the trail when the resident approached it and then was bitten, according to the statement.
The animal was picked up by the Old Bridge Township Animal Control officer and was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Aug. 16 that the animal tested positive for rabies, according to the statement.
The resident was instructed to seek medical attention and rabies post exposure treatment. In addition, Cheesequake State Park officials were notified of the result, according to the statement.
This is the seventh rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2019 and the first rabid animal in Old Bridge.