SOUTH RIVER – The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in South River in the vicinity of Cleveland Avenue and Ferris Street.
This is the first rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2020 and the first rabid animal in South River.
On Feb. 3, a resident of South River was moving trash cans on their property when a raccoon reportedly lunged and bit them, according to a statement provided by the health department.
The animal was picked up by the animal control officer and was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.
It was reported on Feb. 5 that the animal tested positive for rabies.
There was one human exposure and zero domestic animal exposure. The resident had already seen a primary care physician and had begun the post exposure prophylaxis, according to the statement.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.