JACKSON, NJ — A fox that bit a child on Saturday in Jackson Township has tested positive for rabies, Ocean County Health Department officials said Wednesday night.
The incident happened in the neighborhood between Aldrich Road and West Connecticut Concourse. The child is undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies, health officials said.
After the girl was bitten, Jackson Township Animal Control captured the fox, which died shortly thereafter. The health department has received two more reports of fox bites in the same neighborhood over the same two-day span, officials said.
Daniel Regenye, the health department's public health coordinator/officer, said the incident is a reminder of why officials warn people to be alert about human exposures to animals that could be infected with rabies.
"It does happen and that’s why it’s so important to remain vigilant, especially in the warmer months when the potential for wildlife interactions with humans increase," Regenye said.
"It can be very tempting to try and assist or approach a wild animal that may appear in distress, injured, or even uncommonly friendly," he said.
He urged people to instead call animal control or the police.
Regenye said while there is still no cure for rabies, the good news is that human infection is extremely rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are typically only about 1 to 3 cases of rabies documented in humans each year.
Regenye said the state Department of Health estimates that approximately 2,500 people in New Jersey receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, due to exposure to known or suspect rabid animals.
While any mammal can contract rabies, Regenye said two of the most common carriers in Ocean County in the past have been bats and raccoons; there were two cases in raccoons last year.
Officials urged people to make sure their pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date so they are protected as well.
The Ocean County Animal Facilities holds free rabies clinics — at the Jackson facility the first and third Wednesday of the month, and at the Manahawkin facility on the second and fourth Wednesday. Information on clinic times and making an appointment can be found here.
The health department also recommends taking the following steps to protect and limit the risk of rabies exposure:
What to do if you are bitten by an animal:
"Interactions with wildlife do happen suddenly, and sometimes, in the most unusual circumstances," Regenye said. "Just be aware of your surroundings and environment and the type of wildlife that may call that area home. We all know how serious rabies can be, but unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine if an animal is sick so it’s best to avoid any interactions and call animal control immediately especially if the animal is acting aggressive."
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