Health officials confirm second case of rabies in a raccoon in Monroe

BY Christopher Lang, Correspondent, @topherlang2 | MonroeNow | Sep 6, 2018

MONROE – A second animal has tested positive for rabies in the township, according to a Sept. 6 advisory from the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.

This is also the ninth positive test of an animal found to have rabies in Middlesex County in 2018.

The rabid raccoon was found in the area of Lori and Michael streets, according to the office. No additional details about its finding were provided.

In February, a raccoon later determined to have rabies was killed by a dog in the area of Spotswood Gravel Hill Road and Garvey Drive in Monroe. The dog owner was advised to have the pet taken to a veterinarian for any necessary treatment.

Positive rabies cases have also been reported in nearby South Brunswick and East Brunswick. The South Brunswick case involved a bat in a home near Brook Drive and Spruce Lane.

Some signs that an animal may have rabies include: moving slowly, may act as if tame, appear sick, has problems swallowing, has an increase in saliva, has increased drooling, acts aggressive, difficulty moving, has paralysis and bites at everything if excited.

For more information about rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, cdc.gov/rabies.