On March 2, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for the year.
On March 1, Alamance County Health Department was notified of a human exposure to a cat that occurred earlier in the Phelps Workman Road area of Mebane. The cat was sent to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive.
The human exposure identified by the Health Department was recommended for immediate post-exposure treatment. Four cats lived on the property and may have been exposed. Because the cats were not up-to-date on vaccinations, they were required to receive boosters and to be quarantined for 45 days. There were also feral cats identified as living in the community that may have come in contact with the cat. All appropriate vaccination and quarantine laws are being followed by the Health Department in cooperation with Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and Burlington Animal Services.
Because this is a feral community, all animals may not have been identified. It is recommended that any outside pets near the area be checked and monitored for bite wounds.
If you live in this area and are concerned about a possible exposure, please contact 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 one 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.