Rabid Bat Found In South Plainfield Home, Middlesex County Says

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — Animals with the rabies virus continue to be found in Central New Jersey. Most recently, a rabid bat was found last week inside a South Plainfield home, the Middlesex County Health Department reported Tuesday.

The bat flew into the home on Saturday, May 25; the home is in the vicinity of Front Street and Maple Avenue in South Plainfield, the county announced in a press release.

A resident called 911 to report that a bat had been found in their bedroom, and a South Plainfield Animal Control officer responded. The bat was captured and was then taken to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory for testing.

It was reported on Tuesday, June 4 that the bat tested positive for rabies. The resident was instructed to consult with their primary care physician regarding rabies post-exposure treatment.

This is the fifth rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2019 and the first rabid animal in South Plainfield so far this year.

Additionally, a Middlesex County Office of Health Services’ Registered Environmental Health Specialist will be distributing rabies fact sheets within the area.

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.

Do not touch or interact with wild animals; bats, raccoons, cats, dogs and foxes — as well as humans — can carry the rabies virus, which can be fatal.

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

1. If you are bitten by a wild animal or a pet, report it 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.

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

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

• Move slowly
• May act as if tame
• Appear sick
• Have problems swallowing
• Have and 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 yard free of garbage and debris.

1. Do not feed or handle wild animals.
2. Avoid contact with stray animals or pets other than your own.
3. Try to prevent your pets from coming into contact with wild animals.
4. Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats