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RABIES, EPIZOOTIC - USA (PENNSYLVANIA)
April 25, 2000
ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 12:31:51 -0400
From: Marjorie P. Pollack <pollackmp@mindspring.com>
Source: The Valley Independent 22 Apr 2000 [edited]
The Allegheny County Health Department is warning residents to avoid contact
with raccoons, other wildlife and stray dogs and cats because of a growing
rabies outbreak.
Two rabid animals found this week bring the total in the county so far this
year to 8, compared to just 1 reported by this time in 1999. The new cases
are a stray cat in Kilbuck and a raccoon in Troy Hill. The earlier cases
were all raccoons found in scattered areas of the county. A 28-year-old man
bitten by a cat is undergoing treatment with rabies vaccine and is not
expected to develop the disease. There was no human exposure in the other
new case, but a dog which fought with a raccoon was given a booster shot and
is under a 3-month quarantine. Health officials say the incident involving
the stray cat shows why it's important not to touch a strange animal,
especially a cat or a dog which appears homeless. These animals are
vulnerable to attack from rabid raccoons and may carry the rabies virus,
even when they look healthy. The rabies virus is transmitted through a
bite, scratch or opening in the skin exposed to saliva from a
rabies-infected animal. Wear rubber gloves when handling your pet after it
has been exposed, wash it thoroughly with soap and water and call your
veterinarian for treatment advice. When a person is exposed to an animal's
saliva, cleanse the area with soap and water and seek medical attention.
Pet owners are advised to keep their dog or cat up to date with its rabies
shots. State law requires rabies shots at regular intervals, depending on
the age of the pet and the type of vaccine.
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