A quiet moment on Whippel Road turned into a public health scare when a stray cat hiding under a home’s deck bit a Burrillville resident, later testing positive for rabies, according to state health officials. The person who was bitten has already started post-exposure treatment intended to prevent infection, and investigators are now working to track down anyone else who may have handled or come into contact with the animal.
As reported by NBC Boston, the bite happened on Wednesday and the resident received rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Health officials are urging anyone who touched, fed or tried to help the cat to call the Department of Health's Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 401-276-8046 after hours, so they can be evaluated for treatment.
Rabies cases mounting in Providence County
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, this rabid cat is not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, at least six animals in Providence County have tested positive for rabies. That list includes three raccoons in Burrillville, a bat and a coyote in Lincoln, and a raccoon in Providence.
The department is reminding residents not to handle wildlife or stray animals under any circumstances. State law also requires that dogs, cats and ferrets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, a rule that suddenly feels a lot less theoretical for pet owners in the area.
Why fast action matters
Rabies is both preventable and deadly. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, which is why treatment has to begin before any signs of illness develop. The CDC explains that post-exposure prophylaxis typically involves thorough wound washing, human rabies immune globulin when indicated, and a four-dose vaccine series. When started promptly, that regimen is highly effective.
What Burrillville residents should do now
Health officials say the basic precautions still matter most. Do not touch, feed or try to capture stray or wild animals, even if they seem friendly or look injured. Secure garbage, compost and pet food that might attract wildlife to your yard, deck or porch.
If you suspect that a person or pet had any possible contact with a stray or wild animal, contact your veterinarian, your municipal animal control officer and the Department of Health. The Town of Burrillville also notes that a current rabies vaccination certificate is required for dog licensing, a legal requirement that doubles as a key line of defense when rabies shows up close to home.
