Update: 2 People Exposed To Cat Receiving Rabies Treatments

TAMPA, FL -- The Department of Health in Hillsborough County says two people are now receiving rabies treatments after being exposed to a domestic short-haired black cat that tested positive for rabies earlier this week.

The cat was found on Banyan Bluff Drive near the Turtle Creek Apartment Homes off East Bearss Avenue.

A rabies alert for the area for the area for 60 days, and includes East 151st Avenue to the north, N. 15th Street to the west, Livingston Avenue to the east and East Bearss Avenue to the south.

DOH-Hillsborough environmental health employees have notified residents in the affected area.

This is the second time in 2018 that a cat tested positive for rabies in Hillsborough County. The number of human exposures in Hillsborough County is now nine.

In 2017, three animals exposed 10 people.

All residents and visitors in Hillsborough County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated.

The health department has issued a rabies alert for the area and is asking the public to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Hillsborough County.

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect a person from the disease.

If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at (813) 744-5660.

People who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.

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