A kitten from farm in Carroll County tests positive for rabies, the Ogle County Health Department wants to remind people to vaccinate their pets and not to approach unknown or wild animals, especially if they are acting unusually. Last week a kitten from a farm in Carroll County tested positive for rabies after being found with a swollen face and lethargic. Local public health authorities in the area are working to determine the source of rabies and if this is an isolated incident. Everyone exposed to the kitten is receiving treatment.
“While rabies is most often found in bats in Illinois, other animals such as raccoon, skunks, foxes, and sometimes pets, may become infected,” said Craig Beintema. “This is why it is important to make sure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations and to stay away from unknown animals.” “Ogle County has had human exposure or potential exposure of rabies from felines two years in a row. Both situation originated with unvaccinated cats on farms. Public health wants to raise awareness about rabies, especially since we have seen cases in domesticated animals,” said Kyle Auman
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system. People can get rabies after being bitten by an infected animal. If you have been bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. Rabies preventive treatment, if needed, must begin quickly.
The first sign of rabies is usually a change in the animal’s behavior. An animal does not have to be “foaming at the mouth” to have rabies. Other signs include difficulty walking, a general appearance of sickness or a change in the animal's normal behavior. For example, if an animal that is normally wild and avoids contact with humans approaches a picnic area, campsite, or home and appears tame or friendly, consider it rabid. Conversely, if a normally tame and friendly animal becomes hostile or aggressive without provocation, it too should be considered rabid. A rabid animal usually dies within one week after showing signs of the disease.
Barn cats may be at particular risk of rabies because they spend all their time outdoors and may have daily exposures to wild animals, including bats and skunks.
If you are bit by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. The local health department or the county animal control office also should be notified immediately.
