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.