The rabies confirmation means that what is a rare disease amongst animals in the township could now be abound. In December, a feral cat that had scratched a woman on Post Avenue was euthanized after being caught by police and also sent for testing where it was confirmed that it too was inflicted with rabies. Health Administrator Joyce Jacobson said the case in December was the first she could remember in Lyndhurst.

"We can't rule out that this animal [the raccoon] had not made contact with anyone, so we are conducting an ongoing investigation," said Jacobson. The woman attacked in December was immediately treated with a series of preventative vaccines. Within an average of a 30 to 60 day incubation period without proper treatment, humans are subject to adverse effects of debilitating central nervous system conditions, shutting down of the organs, and ultimately, death.

Rabies is quite rare in Lyndhurst and Bergen County as a whole. Countywide last year, there had only been 15 confirmed cases of rabid animals, the bulk being raccoons, skunks and cats. Since 1989, an 18-year span, the county has only been witness to 313 total rabies cases. Human contraction is even more rare. According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, there had not been one case of human rabies reported in the state from 1971 to 1996. In 1997, a man was removing bats from his home when one bit him and infected him with the disease. It was the last known case in the state. Jacobson is urging all residents to avoid contact with stray domestic and all wild animals. Affected animals can be spotted by behaviors such as appearing sick, crazed or vicious. Jacobson said there is a feral cat population in town, so although it may seem nice to feed them or take them in, avoiding contact and contacting authorities is the responsible, risk-free route when they are seen.

If anyone reports seeing a stray, they should immediately contact Bergen County Animal Control at 201-752-4260 or the Lyndhurst Police Department at 201-939-2900. If you are bitten or scratched, it is advised that you immediately call the Lyndhurst Health Department at 201-804-2500 and subsequently seek prompt medical attention.