A beaver that “had contact with several people” at a lake in New Jersey over the weekend has tested positive for rabies, according to town health officials.
“On Sunday, May 3rd, it was reported that a beaver at Lake Henry had contact with several people and has since tested positive for rabies,” the Mahwah Health Department said Tuesday in a statement confirming the attack.
“Individuals who were bitten are currently receiving treatment. If you have had any contact with this animal, please notify the Mahwah Township Health Department immediately. You will need to be assessed by a doctor for medical treatment.”
The health department said the public is advised to “avoid wildlife, as any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies.”
Police in Mahwah reportedly responded to Lake Henry around 6 p.m. local time on Sunday after a report of an animal attack.
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An eight-year-old boy had been fishing from the shoreline when a beaver came out of the water and “charged at him,” police told News 12 New Jersey.
“The child began to run away but tripped. The animal bit the child in the upper thigh and continued to attack him.”
The child was reportedly transported by EMS crews to a local hospital for treatment.
Police contacted animal control officers, who responded and said the animal appeared to exhibit signs of illness. The beaver was captured and sent for testing.
Global News has reached out to the Mahwah Police Department for further comment, but has not received a response.
The Mayo Clinic describes rabies as “a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals” and notes that the rabies virus is “usually transmitted through a bite.”
The first symptoms of rabies may be similar to those of the flu and last for days, according to the organization. Later signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and difficulty swallowing.
In Canada, the animals that most often transmit rabies are bats, skunks and foxes, according to the government of Canada.
The government notes that in Canada and the United States, the prevalence of wildlife rabies is relatively low. It is more frequently diagnosed in wildlife, and occasionally in livestock and pets.
Key Facts on Disease Transmission:Common Cold Kills: In 2009, a human respiratory virus killed mountain gorillas in Rwanda.Major Threats: Common human pathogens like influenza, pneumonia, salmonella, and measles are high-risk.Impact: Even seemingly minor human illnesses can cause severe, fatal respiratory disease in gorillas and chimps.Transmission Routes: Transmission occurs directly through close proximity or indirectly through contaminated environments, such as during tourist treks.
Poor Beaver and other Wildlife. Did humans forget that they contaminate other humans with human diseases? Chimpanzees and Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases transmitted from humans known as Anthroponoses because they share 98% of their DNA with humans. Yes, chimpanzees and gorillas are highly susceptible to diseases transmitted from humans, known as anthroponoses. Because they share over (98%) of their DNA with humans.
Do people not know that all those involved in this incident need immediate treatment, because there’s a point of no return once rabies sets in.
Dee Ironside – The story states that the beaver bit a young child, but it also attacked several others who were trying to help him. There’s a video of the incident online. If you bothered to research rabies, you would know that it can spread through a bite or direct contact. Your comment about “socialist math” makes you look stupid.
One child was bit and the story title says several people. Ahh, socialist math. Lol
You fail to mention that once you show symptoms, treatment is no longer an option and death is 100% guaranteed. More people should know this.
Carney has rabies.
Go Canada, bite those FKers