The Westchester County Department of Health is alerting all residents in Ryebrook that an ill cat found in the vicinity of Charles Lane and Mark Drive has tested positive for rabies.

"Health officials are looking for anyone who may have come in contact with the 8 pound adult cat with black and white tuxedo coloring since November 22nd, " stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Westchester County Commissioner of Health. "Anyone who may have been in contact with the cat may need to receive immediate post-exposure rabies treatment and should call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000."

Rabies is a fatal disease which is spread through the bite or saliva of infected animals. The usual incubation period before illness occurs is 3 weeks to 3 months, but an animal harboring rabies can only transmit the virus for a few days before showing signs of the disease. Some animals become agitated, while others may become lethargic and seem unusually tame. Another sign of rabies is difficulty walking or dragging of the legs. Excessive salivation may occur when the disease is advanced. People can become infected with rabies through contact with wildlife or unimmunized household pets that harbor the disease.

If you are bitten by a rabid animal or come in contact with its saliva, you may need to receive immediate post-exposure treatment. This consists of a series of shots given over the period of a month. It is 100% effective in preventing rabies if given early enough after exposure and before symptoms develop. Once symptoms occur, in humans or in animals, death is inevitable.

"All individuals, particularly children, should be reminded to avoid contact with all unknown animals," stated Dr. Adel. "When a person comes in contact with a wild or stray animal, there is a potential risk for contracting rabies unless post-exposure treatment is given," he continued.

Anyone who had contact with the adult black and white cat from the Charles Lane area of Ryebrook , or with any animal suspected of having rabies should contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 immediately. The Health Department is available at this number 24 hours a day to respond to public health emergencies, including exposures to potentially rabid animals. More information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Health Department website, www.westchestergov.com/health.