On September 28th, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third case of rabies for the year.

 On September 27th, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a cat that was picked up on Snow Camp Road in Snow Camp. The cat was transported to this location from another residence on Stockard Road in Graham. Burlington Animal Control sent the cat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.

The Health Department did identify four human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment for these individuals. There were five other animals who were exposed to the rabid cat, and appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Animal Control.

 If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact the Alamance County Animal Control Department at 336-570-6302 or the On-Call Communicable Disease Nurse at 336-516-7715.

 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 three 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.