On August 25, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s second case of rabies for the year.
On August 24, Burlington Animal Services was notified that two cats came in contact with a bat on Glencoe Street in Burlington. Burlington Animal Services sent the bat to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the bat was positive for rabies. The two cats were up-to-date on vaccinations; they received two vaccination boosters and are currently under a 45-day quarantine. There was one human exposure to the bat. The health department is assisting the individual with accessing post-exposure treatment.
If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.
It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.
If you are bitten by any animal:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
- Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
- Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal
Last year, Alamance County had seven confirmed animal cases of rabies.
For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.