Raccoon That Bit 2 Westfield Residents May Have Rabies, Officials Say

WESTFIELD, NJ — Two Westfield residents were bitten this week by an aggressive raccoon that may have rabies, town officials said.

According to a statement from the Westfield Regional Health Department, the bites occurred in the 400 block of 1st Avenue and the 700 block of Scotch Plains Avenue. Police said one of the bites happened on Monday.

"Report sick, aggressive or injured animals to police," Westfield authorities said. "If possible, try to keep an eye on the animal so police know where to find it when they arrive."

According to the Westfield health officials, residents should always contact police when they encounter an animal that appears to be sick, aggressive or injured. If an animal has not moved from a certain location or has been circling an area for a while, Animal Control should also be contacted.

Raccoons are among the most frequent carriers of rabies, a virus that attacks the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord. All mammals have the potential to be infected with rabies, but some are more likely to carry it than others.

While there is no way to know for sure whether an animal has rabies without laboratory testing, a rabid raccoon may exhibit some characteristic symptoms, including:

1. Foaming at the mouth: This is one of the most well-known symptoms of rabies, but it may not be as dramatic as it appears in the movies. The virus causes increased salivation, causing the raccoon to drool. The excess saliva may collect on the animal’s lips.
2. Difficulty walking: Because the virus attacks the central nervous system, it can cause complete or partial paralysis of the raccoon’s rear legs. As a result, the raccoon may have difficulty moving around.
3. Disorientation: Brain inflammation from rabies can cause symptoms of confusion and hallucinations. A raccoon with rabies may appear lost or behave as though it is intoxicated.

Westfield residents who encounter sick or aggressive animals should contact police at 908-789-4000.