LEBANON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The Hunterdon County Health Department has issued a public health alert after a raccoon bit a woman in Lebanon Township and later tested positive for rabies.
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, patrol officers responded to a residence on Penwell Road where a resident had been bitten by a raccoon while attempting to leave her home. The victim drove herself to a local hospital for treatment. The raccoon was located, euthanized, and sent for rabies testing, police said.
On January 3, health officials confirmed that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
Residents who may have had contact with this raccoon between December 19, 2024, and January 2, 2025, are urged to contact their primary care physician immediately or the Hunterdon Medical Center Emergency Room to discuss potential exposure and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.
It is important to remember not to pick up stray animals at any time. Saliva from infected animals should be considered infectious, health officials said.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by saliva of an open cut or the eyes. The disease is transmitted from animals to human or from animals to other animals. Left untreated, humans can be protected by receiving rabies prophylaxis after exposure.
How can you protect yourselves from rabies?
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep vaccinations up-to-date
- Do not feed or touch wild animals
- Avoid contact with strays or pets other than your own
All owners of cats, dogs and livestock should have the vaccination against rabies through their veterinarian or through municipal rabies clinics. For a listing of upcoming free rabies clinics, click here.
For more information, call 908-788-1351. After hours and on weekends, call 908-788-1202. To reach the Lebanon Township Animal Control Officer, Community Animal Control, Robbie Lagonera call 908-763-5035.
