Person In Tampa Being Treated For Rabies After Cat Tests Positive


Tampa, Fla. - (970 WFLA)-A domestic short haired black cat found in the Banyan Bluff Drive, area has tested positive for rabies. 

The Department of  Health in Hillsborough County has identified one human  exposure. That individual is being treated.

This is the second time in 2018 that a cat tested positive for rabies in  Hillsborough County. The number of human exposures in Hillsborough County  is now eight. 

All residents and visitors in Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies  is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk  if not vaccinated.   An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been  vaccinated against rabies.   

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against  rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons,  bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. 

Rabies is a disease of  the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans.The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific  immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started  soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

Persons who have been bitten or scratched  by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the  injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813)  307-8059.

For more information about Rabies, click here 

Photo Credit:DOH


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