Rabid Bat Found In Milltown Home This Week

MILLTOWN, NJ — A Milltown resident awoke this past Monday to a bat flying around their bedroom, and the bat turned out to test positive for the rabies virus.

The bat was found at a home in the vicinity of Peachwood Court and Blueberry Drive, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

On Monday, September 16 the Milltown residents awoke to find a bat in the room they were sleeping in. An exterminator trapped the bat and the animal was picked up by Animal Control, who took it for testing. It was reported on Friday, September 20 that it tested positive for rabies.

There was one human exposure and one possible animal exposure. As a precaution, the resident had already seen a doctor and has begun the shots to prevent rabies, the county said.

The animal is currently vaccinated and scheduled to receive a rabies booster.

This is the eighth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2019 and the first rabid animal in Milltown. Rabies is very common in bats. You should never touch them, as you can be bitten.

The following are some rabies guidelines from Middlesex County:

1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department.

Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite.

Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately.

Consult a physician as soon as possible.

1. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior.

Signs on unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly
• May act as if tame
• Appear sick
• Have problems swallowing
• Have and increase in saliva
• Have increased drooling
• Act aggressive
• Have difficulty moving
• Have paralysis
• Bite at everything if excited

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.

1. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.

If unsure, please call your veterinarian.

Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

1. Animal proof your home and yard

Make sure all garbage containers have tight fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment and keep yard free of garbage and debris.

1. Do not feed or handle wild animals.
2. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
3. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
4. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats