BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Health officials with Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) were alerted of a community cat, previously referred to as a feral cat, that exhibited behaviors associated with rabies through an attack on a dog.
The gray cat was last seen in the Clarks Chapel Church Road community of Weaverville. Due to the unknown immunization status of the cat, the public is advised to be cautious and notify Animal Control if they see it.
“Rabies is a serious disease that can be deadly without immediate treatment. Any person who thinks they may have come into contact with this cat should contact BCHHS Communicable Disease at (828) 250-5109,” wroted Jessica Silver, BCHHS environmental health director, in a press release Friday.
Health officials say that rabid animals are unpredictable, aggressive, and can attack people and other animals.
Some signs of rabies in animals are changes in an animal’s behavior, general sickness, problems swallowing, increased drooling, and aggression. Wild animals with rabies may move slowly or act as if they are tame.
A pet that is usually friendly may snap at you or may try to bite.
Local officials are urging residents in the area to do the following:
If you have been bitten by any animal:
Post-exposure vaccines can prevent rabies disease in humans if started as soon as possible after the exposure and before the development of symptoms. If a person bitten by an animal with rabies does not get the recommended rabies post-exposure treatment, survival is rare.
Any medical provider who cares for someone who has been bitten by an animal must report the animal bite within 24 hours. To access the animal bite report form, click here and find the “I Want to Report” section at the top of the page.
If the animal is caught and tested and does not have rabies, exposed persons will not need post-exposure vaccines.
In Buncombe County, contact BCHHS Communicable Disease at (828) 250-5109 for questions or concerns related to rabies exposure.