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GETTING HELP
At least six people exposed to rabid cat in King GeorgeDate published: 6/19/2009 Officials with the King George Health Department are looking for at least six people who were bitten or scratched by a rabid cat near the post office there on Sunday. Health officials want those people, and any others who may have come into contact with the cat, to contact them. People and any animals that may have been bitten or scratched by the cat will need to seek medical attention immediately. The cat was a female with short white hair with orange and black patches. According to environmental health specialist Jonmark Sullivan, a group of people were at First Lady's Centre shopping center on State Route 3 when they noticed the cat, which appeared to be injured. "I think one person was trying to see if the cat was OK," Sullivan said yesterday. "The others tried to help her after she was hurt." Sullivan said he didn't know the extent of anyone's injuries. He said the cat appeared sick and became aggressive when it was approached, which is typical of an animal with rabies. King George Animal Control captured the cat Monday, and tests confirmed rabies. Sullivan said the cat probably wasn't infected for long. "Animals usually only live about three to five days once the rabies becomes active," he said. "And it can only be spread during its active stage." According to the Virginia Department of Health, there have been 240 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies through June 13 of this year. This is the third case in King George, the other two being in a raccoon and a skunk. In 2008, there were 620 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies statewide. Sullivan said that even if an animal appears friendly, people should not approach it if it is unfamiliar to them. If an animal appears sick or injured, contact a local animal control office. "They're the ones who have the tools to deal with it," he said. Anyone who believes he or she has been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal should contact the local health department and seek medical care immediately. Rabies attacks the nervous system and can be fatal in humans if not treated. The health department also recommends that pets and other domestic animals be vaccinated against the disease. Laura L. Hutchison:
Date published: 6/19/2009
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