NEW JERSEY -- The Monmouth County Department of Health is asking residents who may have been bitten by a dog recently to contact the department immediately after a pit bull tested positive for rabies.
The department can be reached at 732-431-7456, ext. 8580.
State officials confirmed Wednesday that a family's pit bull, which had not been vaccinated, was rabid. The animal, which has since died, bit three people and was also in close proximity to a fourth person, all of whom are now undergoing treatment. Other dogs exposed to the pit bull are also being monitored.
"We are asking that anyone in the Aberdeen area who was bitten or exposed to this family pit bull, contact the Health Department immediately," said Christopher Merkel, Monmouth County Public Health Coordinator. "We are currently working to identify anyone who may have come in contact with this dog in the last three weeks."
Officials said cases of rabies in dogs are rare in New Jersey, with only 8 reported incidents since 1989. Rabies is more common in wild animals such as bats and skunks. A rabid raccoon bit a boy in Elmwood Park late last month.
Health officials advise the public to avoid physical contact with wild or unfamiliar animals and to vaccinate pets. Cats and dogs who have been vaccinated are not considered immune until 28 days after the vaccination, health officials also said.
(NJ.com - Feb 4, 2016)
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