New Hampshire health officials are searching for people who came into contact with two stray kittens found in North Conway this month that were found to have rabies. The Department of Health and Human Services said a concerned citizen picked up one of the kittens and took it away. Donations will be made to the Conway Area Humane Society. Two veterinarians cared for the kitten before it showed symptoms of rabies on November 11th. He tested positive on November 13th. A second kitten tested positive on November 16th. Health officials said an investigation is underway to identify the person who may have rabies. “Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “Rabies is typically endemic in wild animals, with 20 to 30 animals testing positive for rabies in New Hampshire each year. The best way to prevent exposure is to , or avoid direct contact with wild animals. Sick animals may require a rabies vaccine and protective antibodies to prevent disease.” Rabies affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. It is a virus that causes It is transmitted when an infected animal’s saliva comes into direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, usually when a person or pet is scratched or bitten. If a person or pet does not receive proper medical care after being exposed to rabies, the virus can infect the brain, causing neurological symptoms and ultimately death. Human infection is extremely rare in the United States, and preventive treatment is recommended for those infected. All pet dogs, cats, and ferrets must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. It is also recommended that certain livestock species be vaccinated against rabies. If you have questions about rabies or are concerned that you may have been exposed to an animal infected with rabies, please seek medical care or call the New Hampshire Department of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
New Hampshire health officials are searching for anyone who came into contact with two stray kittens found in North Conway this month that were found to have rabies.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a concerned citizen picked up one of the kittens and took it to the Conway Regional Humane Society. Two veterinarians cared for the kitten until it developed symptoms of rabies on November 11th, and tested positive on November 13th.
A second kitten tested positive on Nov. 16, and health officials said an investigation is underway to identify the kitten that may have been infected.
“Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “Rabies is typically endemic in wild animals, with 20 to 30 animals testing positive for rabies in New Hampshire each year. The best way to prevent exposure is to , or avoid direct contact with wild animals. Sick animals may require a 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 comes into direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, usually when a person or pet is scratched or bitten.
If a person or pet does not receive proper medical care after becoming infected with rabies, the virus can infect the brain, causing neurological symptoms and ultimately death. Human infection is extremely rare in the United States, and preventive treatment is recommended for those infected.
All pet dogs, cats, and ferrets must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. It is also recommended that certain livestock species be vaccinated against rabies.
If you have questions about rabies or are concerned that you may have been exposed to an animal infected with rabies, please seek medical care or call the New Hampshire Department of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
