The case is the first positive rabies specimen in Old Bridge this year and the 10th case of rabies in Middlesex County, officials said in a news release.
(Associated Press file photo) OLD BRIDGE - A sick groundhog found in the area of Pomona and Raritan Boulevards has tested positive for rabies, according to the Middlesex County Health Department.
The case is the first positive rabies specimen in Old Bridge this year and the 10th case of rabies in Middlesex County in 2015, officials said in a news release.
County officials urge residents to immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to local health departments and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Rabies is caused by a virus infecting all warm-blooded mammals, including humans.
The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut.
Bats, raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95 percent of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States, according to the county health department.
PREVIOUSLY: First case of rabies reported in Monroe Township, 9th in Middlesex County
Prevention guidelines include:
- Washing animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts or scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible if a bite occurs.
- Immediately reporting any wild animal showing signs of unusual behavior.
- Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may move slowly, act as if it is tame, appear sick, have problems swallowing, have an increase of saliva, act aggressive or have difficulty moving.
Additional information can be obtained by calling an Inspection Division Supervisor for Middlesex County Public Health Department, at 732-745-3100.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.