From the Maplewood Health Department on September 11, 2026:
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood Health Department is advising residents that a raccoon found in Maplewood this week has tested positive for rabies.
A resident reported a sick-appearing raccoon, which was safely collected by Animal Control Solutions and submitted to the New Jersey State Laboratory for testing. The test subsequently confirmed that the raccoon was infected with rabies.
While the risk of rabies exposure to residents remains low, rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, and precautions are important. Residents should avoid approaching or handling wild animals, particularly animals that appear sick, injured, unusually aggressive, or are behaving abnormally.
Keep Dogs and Cats Vaccinated
Keeping domestic dogs and cats current on their rabies vaccinations is one of the most important ways to protect pets and their families. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of a vaccinated animal developing rabies if it is exposed to an infected or potentially infected wild animal.
Once clinical signs of rabies develop, the disease is almost always fatal. Early medical evaluation following a potential exposure is therefore essential.
Residents should contact their veterinarian if their pet may have come into contact with a raccoon, bat, skunk, fox, or other wild animal. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild or unfamiliar animal should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice.
For more information, visit the Maplewood Health Department webpage here: maplewoodnj.gov/government/public-health-social-services
