Five people in a west Wake Forest neighborhood have been exposed to rabies, according to a news release from Wake County. The county confirmed that a stray cat tested positive for the disease.
The incident occurred when a woman called 911 to report a tortoiseshell cat that was trapped in an area off Great Woods Road in Wake Forest, near Durham and Creedmoor roads. The woman stated that the cat had approached her porch, scratched and bit her, prompting her to contact animal services.
After testing positive for rabies, the cat was placed in quarantine, where it later died. Four other individuals and a dog were also exposed to the feral cat. Each person immediately began treatment for rabies exposure, while the dog received a rabies booster shot as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Jennifer Federico, the director of Wake County Animal Services, emphasized the importance of staying informed about such cases to safeguard the community. She urged residents to exercise caution and avoid approaching unfamiliar animals.
It is believed that the captured feral cat came from a colony of feral cats residing behind a nearby grocery store off Old Creedmoor Road. Individuals who have come into contact with these cats are encouraged to reach out to the Wake County Health & Human Services Communicable Disease Program.
Residents are advised to call Animal Control officials if they observe any animals behaving unusually. The following guidelines were provided:
1. Do not approach animals that you do not know. Exercise caution and maintain a safe distance.
2. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal with an unknown vaccination history, wash the wound immediately and seek medical attention.
3. Ensure your pets have a current rabies vaccination. If your pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is strongly recommended. Keep outdoor pets indoors until they receive the booster vaccines.
4. Do not feed stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs. Avoid any interaction that may result in potential exposure.
5. Do not leave trash or food outside unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent attracting wild animals to your property.
6. If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight to minimize the chances of attracting animals that may carry rabies.
7. If a pet comes into contact with a potentially rabid animal, contact a veterinarian immediately for professional guidance to ensure the well-being of your pet.
For more information, residents can visit wake.gov/StopRabies.
How can residents prevent the spread of rabies in their area
Person and the dog have since received medical treatment and are currently under observation to ensure they do not develop symptoms of rabies.
Wake County Animal Control is urging residents in the area to be cautious and keep an eye out for any animals displaying unusual behavior. They are also reminding pet owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be deadly if left untreated. It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Symptoms of rabies in animals can include aggression, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, symptoms may include fever, headache, and hallucinations.
If anyone encounters an animal that they suspect may be rabid, they are advised to avoid contact and immediately contact local animal control or the health department. It is important to remember that rabies can be prevented through proper vaccination and by avoiding contact with wild or stray animals.
The county is taking this incident seriously and is working to prevent the spread of rabies in the area. They are urging residents to report any stray or wild animals that may be exhibiting symptoms of rabies.
By staying aware and taking necessary precautions, residents can help ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and their pets in wake of this recent incident.
