CUMBERLAND — Health officials are warning residents to be cautious after a kitten in the Mexico Farms area tested positive for rabies.
The Allegany County Health Department confirmed the rabies case in the feral cat found near the AES Warrior Run and Webstaurant properties. The animal was sent for testing Monday, and a positive report for rabies was returned Tuesday.
Anyone who came into contact with the kitten — a small orange domestic shorthair male — is advised to contact the health department at 301-759-5000.
The rabid kitten was part of a colony of cats in the Mexico Farms area.
“It is highly advised that you do not feed or come into direct contact with any of the other cats associated with this colony,” the health department said in a statement.
The identification of the rabid kitten in Allegany County follows three confirmed cases of rabies in feral cats in Garrett County since June that have resulted in eight human exposures within a 6-mile radius, Garrett health officials said Thursday.
In June, the Garrett County Health Department warned residents after a series of unprovoked attacks by a cat in the Deep Creek Lake area.
That cat was eventually located by animal control officers and euthanized, and later tested positive for the rabies virus.
On July 15, another feral cat that attacked a resident in the Accident area was killed by the victim’s spouse. A similar incident occurred Monday, when a cat attacked a McHenry resident. That animal was also killed by the victim’s spouse. Both animals later tested positive for rabies.
Garrett County has reported six rabies cases this year.
That total includes animals other than cats.
Report sightings
The Allegany County Health Department is urging residents to report any sightings of feral cats or other animals showing signs of rabies.
Symptoms of rabies include changes in an animal’s behavior, such as unusual friendliness or aggressiveness; nocturnal animals being unusually active during the day; and staggering, excessive drooling or paralysis.
The rabies virus presents life-threatening health risks to both humans and animals, the health department said.
The virus, which attacks the nervous system, typically incubates for three to 12 weeks, though that period can range from several days to several months.
“It is important to remember that an animal with the rabies virus may be able to spread the virus without showing any signs of the disease,” the health department statement said.
“Infected animals may shed virus through their saliva three to five days before symptoms appear. Rabies is almost always fatal within 10 days once symptoms appear.“
If you’ve been bitten
• Wash the wound with soap and water. If available, use a disinfectant (such as a povidone-iodine solution) to flush the wound.
• Seek medical attention promptly and be sure to report the bite or exposure to your local animal control agency, health department or police.
• Rabies in humans is preventable if treated soon after exposure. A medical provider can help decide if a person requires the treatment, depending on the exposure type.
If your pet has been bitten/exposed
• Do not touch the wild or stray animal that caused the bite and avoid touching your pet with bare hands. Use gloves when handling an animal with potential exposure.
• Consult your veterinarian and report the incident to your local animal control agency, health department or police for further recommendations.
• Exposed pets must be quarantined for 10 days.