Rabid raccoon captured after biting Cherry Hill resident

Staff Report
Posted: February 23, 2012

A rabid raccoon has been found in the Barclay Farm section of Cherry Hill and health officials are issuing a warning.

The Camden County Health Department is telling neighbors to make sure dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated.

It is also urging residents to keep their animals under control and out of contact with wild animals.

If a pet is bitten by a wild animal, resident should seek immediate veterinary assistance.

The raccoon bit a resident in the heel and was captured in Cherry Hill on Wednesday, according to the health department.

Officials say the resident was treated, and is recovering from the bite.

"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. "If you have been bitten or scratched by a raccoon it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most rabies cases occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

Rabies infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.

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