Two stray kittens found this month in North Conway were found to have rabies, and New Hampshire health officials are trying to locate anyone who had contact with them.The Department of Health and Human Services said a concerned citizen picked up one of the kittens and took it to the Conway Area Humane Society. Two veterinary practices cared for the kitten before it exhibited symptoms of rabies on Nov. 11. It tested positive on Nov. 13.A second kitten tested positive on Nov. 16, and health officials said an investigation is ongoing to identify anyone who might have been exposed.”Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said. “Rabies typically circulates in wild animals, and every year, 20-30 animals test positive for rabies in New Hampshire. The best way to prevent exposure is to avoid direct contact with stray, feral or wild animals. If a person is exposed to a sick animal, they may need the rabies vaccine and protective antibodies to prevent disease.”Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. It is transmitted when an infected animal’s saliva makes direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose and mouth, typically when a person or pet is scratched or bitten.If a person or pet does not receive appropriate medical care after rabies exposure, the virus can infect the brain, cause neurological symptoms and ultimately lead to death. Human infections are extremely rare in the United States, and preventative treatment is recommended for people who have been exposed.All pet dogs, cats and ferrets should have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. It’s also recommended that certain livestock species receive rabies vaccinations. Anyone with questions about rabies or who is concerned they might have been exposed to an animal infected with rabies should seek medical care or call the New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
Two stray kittens found this month in North Conway were found to have rabies, and New Hampshire health officials are trying to locate anyone who had contact with them.
The Department of Health and Human Services said a concerned citizen picked up one of the kittens and took it to the Conway Area Humane Society. Two veterinary practices cared for the kitten before it exhibited symptoms of rabies on Nov. 11. It tested positive on Nov. 13.
A second kitten tested positive on Nov. 16, and health officials said an investigation is ongoing to identify anyone who might have been exposed.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said. “Rabies typically circulates in wild animals, and every year, 20-30 animals test positive for rabies in New Hampshire. The best way to prevent exposure is to avoid direct contact with stray, feral or wild animals. If a person is exposed to a sick animal, they may need the rabies vaccine and protective antibodies to prevent disease.”
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. It is transmitted when an infected animal’s saliva makes direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose and mouth, typically when a person or pet is scratched or bitten.
If a person or pet does not receive appropriate medical care after rabies exposure, the virus can infect the brain, cause neurological symptoms and ultimately lead to death. Human infections are extremely rare in the United States, and preventative treatment is recommended for people who have been exposed.
All pet dogs, cats and ferrets should have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. It’s also recommended that certain livestock species receive rabies vaccinations.
Anyone with questions about rabies or who is concerned they might have been exposed to an animal infected with rabies should seek medical care or call the New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
