Burlington County health officials seek woman who handled rabies-infected raccoon

Burlington County Health Department Alert: The Health Department is looking to identify the woman who removed an injured raccoon from the intersection of route 130 & High Street in the City of Burlington, New Jersey on August 15, 2016.

The raccoon was positive for rabies.

The Health Department is asking that this individual contact the Health Department at 609-265-5548 immediately.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the brain. The rabies virus lives in the saliva (spit) of infected animals and is spread from a bite or when saliva from an infected animal touches broken skin, open wounds or the lining of the mouth, nose, or eyes. Rabies in certain animals—especially wildlife—is common in New Jersey.

Burlington County Health Department recommendations: What To Do If You Are Bitten

Immediately cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Get prompt medical attention from a physician or hospital emergency room
Report all animal bites to the local health department having jurisdiction where the bite occurred.

Related:

What You Need to Know About Rabies

Rabid raccoon in Old Bridge, N.J., is 5th infected with virus in Middlesex this year

Rabid raccoon reported in Highland Park, N.J.