Middlesex County Office of Health Services Rabies Update

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Borough of South Plainfield, Middlesex County, in the vicinity of Orchard Drive and Geary Lane. This is the second (2) rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2026 and the first (1) rabid animal in South Plainfield.

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, a South Plainfield resident trapped a raccoon on their property and contacted a wildlife rehabilitator. The rehabilitator took the raccoon to their facility, where it later passed away. The raccoon was taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing. It was reported on Monday, August 24, 2026, that the animal tested positive for rabies. There were no human exposures and no animal exposures to the raccoon.

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services continues to monitor rabies cases within the municipality. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to the Police Department. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is caused by a virus which can infect all warm-blooded mammals, including man. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted by bite, or possibly by contamination of an open cut. New Jersey is enzootic for raccoon and bat variants of rabies. Bats, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, cats, and dogs represent about 95% of animals diagnosed with rabies in the United States.

Rabies Prevention Guidelines

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines to prevent rabies from being transmitted to themselves or their pets:

1. Immediately report a bite from a wild or domestic animal to your local health department.

Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the bite. Contamination of open cuts and scratches with saliva of potentially rabid animals should also be washed off immediately. Consult a physician as soon as possible.

2. Immediately report any wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior.

Signs of unusual animal behavior could be that the animal may:

• Move slowly
• May act as if tame
• Appear sick
• Have problems swallowing
• Have an increase in saliva
• Have increased drooling
• Act aggressive
• Have difficulty moving
• Have paralysis
• Bite at everything if excited

Residents should avoid any contact with the animal and call your local animal control officer or local police department.

3. Be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination.

If unsure, please call your veterinarian. Call your local health department for free rabies vaccination clinic availability.

4. Animal-proof your home and yard

Make sure all garbage containers have tight-fitting lids, do not leave pet food or water outside, do not allow rainwater to collect in outdoor containers or equipment, and keep the yard free of garbage and debris.

5. Do not feed or handle wild animals.

6. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.

7. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.

8. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats

The Middlesex County Office of Health Services will continue to work with local partners to monitor the situation and will provide information when updates are available. For additional guidance and information for residents, please contact the Middlesex County Office of Health Services at 732-745-3100.

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