Monroe Township's first case of rabies was reported Wednesday when the disease was found in a bat, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services. The case was the ninth this year in Middlesex County.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Monroe Township's first case of rabies was reported Wednesday when the disease was found in a bat, according to the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
The case was the ninth reported this year in Middlesex County.
Health officials said the bat was found in the vicinity of River and Texas roads.
Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including humans and can be fatal. The virus is found in the saliva of the infected animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. In New Jersey, the animals most likely to be infected by the rabies virus are bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats and dogs.
Officials highly recommend that all pet owners make sure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.
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