Health Officials Issue Rabies Advisory For Middlesex County

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — The Middlesex County Office of Health Services on Tuesday issued a rabies advisory after a skunk tested positive for rabies in Plainsboro Township.

This is the fourth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County this year and the second rabid animal in Plainsboro, officials said. The animal was found in the vicinity of Mershon Lane and Gulick Lane.

On Monday, Sept. 13, a Plainsboro resident let their dogs into the yard, and the dogs attacked the skunk. The animal was picked up by the Animal Control Officer and was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing, officials said.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the animal tested positive for rabies. There was no human exposure and two domestic animal exposures, officials said. The resident has scheduled their pets for follow-up treatment.

County health officials continue to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. They have asked residents to report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. Additionally, health officials have recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to their local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Residents should ensure all family pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services has issued the following rabies prevention guidelines:

• Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to the 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 the saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.
• 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, call the veterinarian. Call local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.
• 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 the yard free of garbage and debris.
• Do not feed or handle wild animals.
• Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
• Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
• Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats