FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               FOR MORE INFORMATION

December 25, 1999                                                               Contact Mary Landrigan

Rabid Cat at PACE University                                               (914) 637-4713

The Westchester County Department of Health is alerting residents in the vicinity of PACE University, White Plains campus and Crane Avenue that a cat that has frequented the neighborhood during the past few months was found to be rabid after it died on December 22nd.

"Anyone who may have been in contact with the white cat with tan and black spots since December 8th may need to receive immediate post-exposure rabies treatment and should call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health.

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.

An animal harboring rabies can transmit the virus for a few days before showing signs of the disease. Some animals become agitated, while others may not demonstrate increased activity, but 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 six 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.

For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000.

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