Person attacked by rabid cat in Orange County
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- Orange County Animal Services confirmed two positive rabies cases in April: a raccoon that bit a dog in Chapel Hill and a cat that bit a person near Hillsborough.
- The dog bitten by the raccoon is under treatment by animal control, while the person exposed to the cat is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Rabies exposure in humans is assessed by Orange County Health Department experts to determine the need for post-exposure treatment based on risk factors.
- Pets with current rabies vaccinations exposed to the virus must get a booster within 96 hours, while unvaccinated pets face euthanasia or lengthy quarantine periods.
- Residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar animals, report potential rabies exposures immediately, especially involving bats, and contact animal control or 911 if exposure occurs outside normal hours.
