ADDITIONAL EXPOSURES REPORTED TO RABID CAT. PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT EXPOSURE. - States News Service

NORFOLK,VA -- The following information was released by the city of Norfolk:

Norfolk Department of Public Health investigation of a rabid stray cat reported on July 7, has identified four additional human contact and one of a domesticated dog. The rabid cat - which was caught and tested positive for rabies -- was an orange, short-haired adult. The known exposures occurred on Vimy Ridge Avenue, West Tanners Creek Drive, Bapaume Avenue, and Dunkirk Avenue. All known victims have been contacted and Rabies post exposure treatment has been initiated. The Norfolk Department of Public Health strongly encourages anyone that may have had contact with this animal; please contact the health department immediately. 'An animal exposure is a serious medical event for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases' reports Demetria M. Lindsay, M.D., Health Director for the Health Department. 'An animal's behavior may be a key indicator that it is rabid,' she adds. 'This might include unusual behavior or a change in behavior. A domesticated pet might become aggressive, without provocation or appear very weak or lethargic. It is important to note that a rabid animal may not be foaming at the mouth.' The Health Department strongly emphasizes the following recommendations to help residents protect their families and their pets from rabies: * Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387. * Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Health Department at 757-683-2712. * Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations. * Keep pets confined to home and yard. * Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals. * Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals. * Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches. For further information about this media release after 5:00 pm, please contact John Monroe on his digital pager at 757-669-2775.