10 people, 2 pets in Chatham exposed to rabid cat | savannahnow ...

At least 10 people and two dogs have been exposed to rabies after coming into contact with an infected cat.

The Savannah-Chatham police Animal Control unit has contacted the individuals known to have been exposed to the virus and has urged anyone else who may have been scratched, bitten or had general contact with the adult, white and grey tabby to immediately seek medical attention, said Gena Bilbo, police spokeswoman.

Both of the dogs exposed to the virus had current rabies vaccines, Bilbo said. They are being monitored and quarantined by Environmental Health and Animal Control for 45 days, as is standard procedure to ensure the public?s safety.

The cat ? that officials said has not been claimed by an owner and was likely feral ? was first reported to Animal Control on Nov. 28 after it was observed acting aggressively and biting a person in the Towne Lake area of Godley Station.

It has since been captured, Bilbo said. The cat was transported to Animal Control for quarantine, where it continued to act aggressively and eventually died.

The Chatham County Health Department earlier this week reminded people to avoid wild or stray animals and to watch for unusual behavior in pets and wildlife to avoid exposure to rabies.

Department spokeswoman Sally Silbermann said symptoms of the potentially deadly virus in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies such as humans, foaming at the mouth and paralysis.

Georgia law requires people inoculate their pet dogs and cats against rabies.

Animal Control will hold its first rabies clinic of 2013 on Jan. 19 for cats and dogs at the Animal Control Center at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive, behind the Humane Society. Innoculations will cost $6.

Anyone who believes he or she may have come in contact with the rabid cat is asked to contact Animal Control at 912-652-6575 or the Environmental Health Division of the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2164. Residents are also reminded to keep all personal pets current on their yearly rabies vaccination.

Source: http://savannahnow.com/news/2012-12-07/10-people-2-pets-chatham-exposed-rabid-cat

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