Rabid Stray Cat Identified in East Brunswick
A stray cat that attacked a person in East Brunswick on Friday has tested positive for rabies, as reported by the Middlesex County Office of Health Services.
According to officials, an East Brunswick resident contacted animal control on May 2 after being attacked by the stray cat residing on their property.
The cat was captured and sent to the New Jersey Department of Health Laboratory, where it was confirmed on Tuesday that the animal had rabies, authorities stated.
So far, aside from the individual who was attacked, there have been no other documented human exposures to this rabid animal.
However, about 10 other cats may have been exposed to the infected feline. Animal control will investigate these potential exposures, officials noted.
Residents are being advised to ensure their pets are up-to-date on vaccinations.
Health experts stress the importance of avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly.
This announcement marks the second confirmed case of rabies in Middlesex County this year and the first reported in East Brunswick.
Rabies is an infectious disease impacting the central nervous system, and it can spread from an infected animal to humans. It typically travels from the brain to salivary glands, making the animal contagious days before its death.
The virus isn’t airborne but can be transmitted through open wounds that come into contact with infected saliva. In New Jersey, raccoons represent the majority of rabid animals diagnosed, followed by skunks, cats, foxes, and groundhogs. Additionally, twelve other species, including deer and dogs, have been found to carry rabies.
Signs that an animal may have rabies include:
- Moving slowly
- Appearing tame
- Showing signs of illness
- Having trouble swallowing
- Increased saliva production
- Excessive drooling
- Acting aggressively
- Experiencing difficulty in movement
- Showing paralysis
- Biting aggressively when excited
As of March 31, the New Jersey Department of Health reported a total of 18 animal rabies cases this year, with raccoons accounting for 13 of them. More recent statistics are yet to be released.
While rabies is generally well-managed in the United States, an average of 10 people still die from rabies annually, primarily due to not seeking medical assistance promptly after an exposure.
The last reported rabies-related death in New Jersey occurred in 2011, involving a 73-year-old woman.
