Public health alert issued following reports of raccoon biting 2 people in Westfield
News 12 spoke with Health Officer Megan Avallone of the Westfield Regional Health Department.
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The Westfield Health Department issued a public health alert Tuesday following reports that a raccoon bit two people in two separate incidents.
One incident happened on 1st Street and the other on Scotch Plains Avenue in Westfield.
News 12 spoke with Health Officer Megan Avallone of the Westfield Regional Health Department.
It's unclear if the raccoon is rabid. However, animal control, the police department and the Public Health Department are canvassing the neighborhood and letting people know that if they see a raccoon that looks sick, aggressive or confused, to call the police.
"We are hoping to capture the raccoon and test it, which is why we are hoping residents call in with any sightings of sick animals," Avallone said.
Avallone says the most important thing you can do to keep yourself and your family safe is to vaccinate your cats and dogs against rabies and to license them with the town.
Children who are outside enjoying the summer night are asked to be extra vigilant and take extra precautions until the little critter is caught.
"At first it was pretty scary, but I just made sure to stay away from bushes at night," said 12-year-old Sonja Berberich. "I just stayed in my house and in my backyard, and I was alert and I wasn't as scared cause I knew it was going to be harder for it to get me."
"Make sure to have a flashlight, and if you see it, back away and make yourself look big," 9-year-old Elliott Berberich said.
Officials say people should seek medical attention immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or attacked by a raccoon.
