Another Rabies Case Confirmed In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Another rabies case has been identified in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.

According to township officials, the health department was notified that a raccoon off Yacenda Drive had tested positive for the rabies virus last week.

This is the second confirmed case of rabies in Parsippany in the last two weeks.

On Dec. 22, a skunk that was found off Druid Hill Drive tested positive for the rabies virus.

Rabies is a lethal viral disease spread by the saliva of infected domestic and wild animals. The Parsippany Health Department reminded residents that rabies is a serious illness but can be treated.

This positive rabies test should serve as a reminder of the importance of making sure residents' pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially rabies.

In addition, pet owners are encouraged to be aware of their pets' location and activities at all times in order to try to avoid preventable exposures. If a pet is exposed to a wild animal, it is very important to notify the health department, have the pet seen by a veterinarian, test the wild animal if it is available, and avoid human contact with any saliva, wounds, etc. to prevent human exposures.

If your pet is bitten or attacked by a wild animal, notify the Parsippany Health Department at (973) 263-7160, as well as your veterinarian.

Morris County's towns hold rabies clinics each year to vaccinate dogs and cats. Rabies vaccines are free and open to all New Jersey residents. There's no paperwork to bring to rabies clinics; all you need to bring is your pet.

For more information, click here.

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.

Public health officials advise residents to teach children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Never feed or touch wild animals or try to keep them as pets.

Residents should ensure trash cans have secure lids to prevent wildlife from foraging for food and not leave pet food outside. Many animals are also attracted to birdseed.

If you see wildlife that is behaving strangely, especially nocturnal animals such as skunks and raccoons found during daylight hours, do not approach the animal. Instead, call your local animal control officer.

If you are bitten or scratched by a suspected animal, respond quickly; immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water; and contact your doctor and the Health Department.

For more information about rabies control and precautions to protect your family and your pets, please visit the New Jersey Department of Health website at www.nj.gov/health.