Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: August 8, 2002
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, Ph.D. 222-1017

Health Alert

Department of Health Seeks Anyone In Contact With Rabid Cat; Neighborhood Cat  Frequents Littlefield Road Area in Warwick

The RI Department of Health (HEALTH) wants anyone who had contact with a rabid cat to call the Office of Communicable Disease at 401-222-2577. The cat, described as a small, "gray- striped" female known as "Narla" lived in the neighborhood around Littlefield Road in Warwick, RI.

Tests on the cat came back positive for rabies on August 4^th. The cat was contagious anytime between Tuesday, July 25 and Saturday, August 3, 2002.

A few people exposed to the cat already received proper medical attention and vaccination to prevent rabies. HEALTH officials want to make sure that anyone else in contact with this animal in any way (petting, scratch or bite) calls the Office of Communicable Diseases (222-2577) immediately.

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The virus, which is found in the saliva of infected animals, is usually transmitted to humans through a bite or a break in the skin (such as a scratch or cut). The virus is not always present in the saliva of an infected animal, and therefore, exposure to a rabid animal does not necessarily mean that the virus was transmitted. Rabid animals often act unusually aggressive or lethargic—depending on the stage of the disease. The anti-rabies treatment is proven to be 100% effective if received within 7 days of the bite or scratch. Treatment involves five relatively painless shots in the arm and treatment with rabies immunoglobulin.

To prevent rabies, HEALTH recommends three easy steps:

• Keep your pets vaccinated and up to date.
• Keep garbage in sturdy cans with tight-fitting lids
• Avoid wild or unfamiliar animals

For more information, go to the RI Department of Health website at www.health.ri.gov.