The Township of Howell is advising residents that there have been two confirmed cases of rabies in the surrounding area of Adelphia and Ketchum Road. The county health department advises people to avoid contact with wild animals, whether alive or dead, and call the police department to dispatch animal control if they see an animal behaving strangely. The Howell Police Department’s non-emergency line is 732-938-4111.
Rabid animals may be unusually brazen and aggressive, or listless and unresponsive. The behavior of rabid animals is unpredictable and it is not uncommon for affected animals to attack people, other animals or even inanimate objects.
The rabies vaccine administered to humans is a post-exposure prophylactic, preventing the virus from taking hold. A rabid animal can spread the virus through a bite, scratch or the introduction of the infected animals’ saliva into a fresh open wound or mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose and mouth.
People who believe they have been exposed should seek immediate medical attention. Precautions to avoid any possible exposure to rabies include vaccinating your pets and not allowing them to roam free.