Person attacked by rabid cat in Orange County :: WRAL.com

Orange County Animal Services received two positive rabies tests, according to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. 

The release stated that the first incident involving a raccoon happened on April 4 in the vicinity of Dixie Lane in Chapel Hill. OCAS said the raccoon bit a dog. That dog is being treated by animal control.

The second incident, involving a cat that bit a person, happened on April 7 near Holiday Park Road in Hillsborough.

OCAS said the cat lived outdoors, but was cared for. The person who was exposed is receiving rabies prophylaxis treatment.

How is exposure to rabies handled?

For people, a disease expert from the Orange County Health Department evaluates the risk of rabies exposure. A decision about the post-exposure prophylaxis that protects people from rabies is based on an assessment of all factors involved in the situation.

Rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches or direct contact (e.g. eyes, mouth or open wounds).

For pets, when there is a reasonable suspicion of exposure, dogs, cats and ferrets with a valid rabies vaccination history must receive a booster shot within 96 hours or four days. 

Unvaccinated pets must either be euthanized or quarantined for up to four months (six months for a ferret), according to Orange County. 

Orange County emphasized that all mammals are capable of being infected with and transmitting rabies. In N.C. and other areas, rabies is commonly found in raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats.

Bats are a host species of rabies in our region and other areas. In our country, most cases of rabies in humans have been traced to bats. If there is any possibility of rabies exposure from a bat, it is critical that citizens immediately contact their animal control program.

If possible, rabies exposure (such as an animal bite to a human) occurs outside regular hours of service, an Animal Control Officer should be reached right away by calling 911. 

Rabies is a fatal, viral infection that is transmitted to animals and people. Animal Control urged people to be cautious while interacting with wildlife or unfamiliar animals when they’re outside.

An animal may have rabies if it shows the following symptoms:

• Aggressive or unusually friendly behavior.
• Difficulty walking, staggering.
• Foaming at the mouth.
• Excessive drooling.
• Disorientation or paralysis.