Three Recieve Post-Exposure Rabies Treatment After Contact with Rabid Cat
BOSTON – Three individuals in Massachusetts are undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies after being exposed to a cat confirmed to have teh virus, state health officials announced today. The incident underscores the ongoing risk of rabies transmission and the critical importance of prompt medical attention following potential exposure to infected animals.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the rabies diagnosis in the cat after it was tested following a domestic animal bite incident in Franklin County. The three individuals who had contact with the animal are receiving the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) series, a course of vaccinations and immunoglobulin that can prevent the disease if administered quickly after exposure. Health officials are working to locate and assess any additional potential exposures.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. It is indeed typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. While human cases are rare in the United States due to widespread vaccination of domestic animals, wildlife – including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes – remain reservoirs for the virus.
“Rabies is a serious public health concern, but it is preventable with prompt medical care,” said Dr. Catherine Brown, DPH State epidemiologist, in a statement. “If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, it is indeed crucial to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention instantly.”
The DPH urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets from rabies, including avoiding contact with wild animals, vaccinating pets regularly, and reporting any suspicious animal behavior to local animal control authorities. further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
