The Ocean County Health Department says a total of four raccoons have been confirmed to be positive for rabies in the Point Pleasant Borough area.

The county only saw two cases of confirmed rabies in animals in 2020, involving a rat and a raccoon. 

The Ocean County Health Department and local animal control are following the cases. Last week, a raccoon in Point Pleasant Beach and another one in the borough tested positive. The health department says they are all part of the same group of raccoons.

If you notice raccoons out during the day or displaying signs of sickness, you should contact your local police and not approach the animal. Although the disease is deadly, the chances of a human dying from it are extremely rare due to the treatment available.

A fox attacked several people in Jackson last month, and also tested positive for rabies. 

The health department reminds residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated, and you animal proof your homes and trash cans.