There have now been 4 reported cases of rabies in North Brunswick ad 16 in Middlesex County, officials said.
NORTH BRUNSWICK -- Two more animals have tested positive for rabies in the township, according to Middlesex County health officials.
Officials said said Middlesex County has had 16 reported rabies cases this year. Four have been in North Brunswick.
On Aug. 8, an animal control officer was called to a location in the vicinity of Thalia Street and Excelsior Avenue in North Brunswick for a skunk that was acting strangely. The skunk was sent to to New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing and county officials received a report Thursday that the animal tested positive for rabies.
The following day, the animal control officer was called to a location in the vicinity of Newton and Bradley Streets for a fox that was acting strangely. The fox was also sent to the state health laboratory and tested positive for rabies.
County health officials said there are no known human or animal exposures to the skunk or the fox.
Officials said a county registered environmental health specialist will be distributing fact sheets within the area.
Residents should report will animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the police department and avoid contact with wild animals altogether, health officials said.
If anyone is bitten by a wild or domestic animal, the person should immediately contact the local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible.
Officials also recommend residents be sure all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.