Wayne County health officials are urging residents to take precautions after a cat in the Town of Galen tested positive for rabies.
The New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, according to Wayne County Public Health. Officials said one person was exposed to the infected animal and is currently receiving post-exposure treatment.
The latest case marks the third confirmed rabies incident reported in the county in recent weeks. Just last week, a rabid raccoon was confirmed in the Lyons-Sodus area. Health officials also recently reported another rabid domestic cat in the same region.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
Wayne County Public Health is reminding residents to avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar animals and to ensure that all dogs, cats, and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations.
To help protect pets and residents, Wayne County Public Health will hold free rabies vaccination clinics later this month. Officials encourage pet owners to take advantage of the clinics and keep vaccinations up to date.
Anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to a potentially rabid animal should contact Wayne County Public Health or their healthcare provider immediately.
