Rabid Raccoon Bites South River Resident, County Says

SOUTH RIVER, NJ — A resident moving trash cans on their property was bitten by a raccoon in South River on Monday, and that raccoon ended up testing positive for rabies, announced the Middlesex County health department.

This happened this past Monday at a home in the area of Cleveland Avenue and Ferris Street in South River: A homeowner was moving trash cans on their property when the raccoon lunged out and bit them, said county health officials.

This is the first rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2020 and the first rabid animal in South River.

The raccoon was captured by a local animal control officer and tested at the state lab. Lab results came back Wednesday that the animal tested positive for rabies.

The resident had already seen a primary care physician and started the post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies, said the county.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

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.

2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior. Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly

• May act as if tame

• Appear sick

• Have problems swallowing

• Have an 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.

6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.

7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats