Rabid Raccoon Confirmed In Burlington County

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A raccoon found in Burlington County tested positive for rabies, officials said Thursday.

The raccoon was captured around Locust and Willow Roads in Bordentown Township and submitted Monday for rabies testing. Burlington County health officials identified one person and two animals who may have been exposed to the creature.

Those who have been bitten by wildlife or stray dogs or cats in that neighborhood over the past month should contact the Burlington County Health Department. Pet owners should get rabies boosters for their animals if they spend time outdoors without supervision and haven't received a rabies shot in the last three months.

Human deaths from rabies are rare in the United States, occurring only once or twice per year since 1960, according to the CDC. But rabies is fatal in more than 99 percent of cases, with no treatment once signs or symptoms emerge, so post-exposure treatment is vital for people and animals.

"Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start," the CDC says.

For more information, visit the CDC's rabies webpage.