WEST OCEAN CITY — The Worcester County Health Department announced on Thursday afternoon a cat located at a West Ocean City townhouse community has tested positive for rabies this week.
The cat was found at the Ocean Village at Old Bridge townhouse community on Route 707, or Old Bridge Road, in West Ocean City. The cat was being fed as part of a larger colony of cats at the property and is described as a small, white female with orange and tabby patches.
Worcester County Health Department officials are warning that any person, pet or other animal that came into contact with the affected cat could be at risk for rabies exposure. Rabies is a serious disease transmitted by an infected animal. Anyone who believes they may have had contact with the infected cat between May 29 and June 11 is urged to contact the county health department immediately at 410-641-9559. After regular business hours or on the weekend, contact Worcester County Emergency Services at 410-632-1311 to each the health department on-call staff.
If an individual has been bitter or scratched, he or she is urged to seek immediate medical care. Post-exposure treatment is necessary to prevent rabies. If not treated, rabies can be fatal. In addition, if a pet has had contact with this infected cat or any cat from the colony, contact a veterinarian. For more info on rabies, visit the county health department site at www.worcesterhealth.org.
