Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has recognized rabies in two stray kittens from North Conway, New Hampshire. DHHS is advising residents to keep away from direct contact with any stray, feral, or wild animals, together with cats and kittens, and train warning round unvaccinated pets, which could be contaminated with rabies by wild animals.
A involved citizen picked up the primary kitten with rabies and took it to the Conway Area Humane Society. Two veterinary practices cared for the kitten earlier than it exhibited signs of rabies on November eleventh and subsequently examined optimistic for rabies on November thirteenth. DHHS has labored with the Humane Society, Town Animal Control Officer, and veterinary practices to establish individuals who had direct bodily contact with the contaminated kitten and will require preventative remedy to keep away from sickness. A second kitten examined optimistic on November sixteenth and investigation is ongoing to establish individuals who might have been uncovered.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” stated New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “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 impacts the mind and different elements of the central nervous system. It is transmitted when an contaminated animal’s saliva makes direct contact with damaged pores and skin or mucous membranes, such because the eyes, nostril, and mouth. This often happens when a person or pet is scratched or bitten by an contaminated animal. If a person or pet doesn’t obtain acceptable medical care after a rabies publicity, the virus can infect the mind, trigger neurological signs, and in the end result in loss of life. Human infections are extraordinarily uncommon within the United States, and preventative remedy is really useful for individuals who have an publicity.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets ought to have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. It can be extremely really useful that sure livestock species obtain rabies vaccinations. Anyone with questions on rabies or who is worried they could have been uncovered to an animal contaminated with rabies ought to search medical care or name the New Hampshire Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at (603) 271-4496. For extra data on rabies, please go to the DHHS web site or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.
