Woman scratched by rabid cat in Canton, others may have been exposed

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Category: Public Service Announcements

Created on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 13:29

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 17:31

Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer

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Canton (GA) – A stray black and white, shorthaired female cat aggressively scratched a woman at the Cherokee South Apartments off Marietta Highway in Canton on Sunday, September 2. The cat has now tested positive for rabies, and authorities are seeking others who may have been exposed.

After scratching the woman, the cat was immediately trapped and later died in its cage on September 4. Cherokee County Environmental Health officials sent its remains to the state lab for rabies testing and the positive results were reported on September 6.

Consequently, post rabies exposure treatment was recommended for the woman, and environmental health staff began blanketing the area with notices written in English and Spanish in search of anyone else who may have come into contact with the cat.

Persons who may have been exposed to this animal are urged to call Cherokee County Environmental Health at (770) 479-0444.

Health officials routinely warn the public against handling any unfamiliar animals, especially those displaying sickly or unusual behavior, and they urge residents to protect against rabies by maintaining rabies vaccinations in their pets.

More information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.