On December 7, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fourth case of rabies for the year.

On December 6, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a cat bite that occurred on December 4 in the Staley Store Road area of Liberty. Alamance County Animal Control sent the cat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The Health Department did identify two human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment. There were other cats identified in this feral cat community. Some have been vaccinated or quarantined, while others may require euthanasia. All appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Animal Control.

Because this is a large feral community and not all animals have been identified, it is recommended that any outside animals be checked and monitored for bite wounds, and receive a rabies booster vaccination if previously vaccinated or if exposure to the cat is in question.

If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Alamance County Animal Control Department at 336-570-6302 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years. If you are bitten by any animal:

• Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
• Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
• Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies. For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.