Oakland Officials Urge Rabies Awareness Following Resident's Raccoon Bite

OAKLAND, NJ — The Oakland Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions against rabies after a recent incident in which a resident was bitten by a raccoon last week.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects warm-blooded mammals and is most commonly spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

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In New Jersey, common carriers include raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral cats.

Officials are urging residents to avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, refrain from feeding stray animals, and ensure pets are properly licensed and up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Animals infected with rabies may display unusual behavior, including aggression, disorientation, stumbling, circling, partial paralysis, difficulty climbing, or self-mutilation.

Residents who observe wildlife acting erratically or whose pets have an encounter with a potentially rabid animal should contact the Oakland Health Department at 201-337-8111, ext. 2018.

After business hours, residents should call the Oakland Police Department at 201-337-6171. Anyone bitten by a wild animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention, and notify local authorities.