Health

Alert

DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH WARNS OF RABID CAT NEAR MILLSBORO

Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents of the Dagsboro area of a cat, found to be rabid by the DPH Lab on

Mon. Dec. 29. The cat, a small tan and orange young adult scratched several people residing on Deer Run off of Iron Branch Road. Anyone

who thinks they might have been bitten by this cat should contact their healthcare provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at

302-744-4545.

The essential components of rabies post exposure prophylaxis are wound treatment and, for previously unvaccinated persons, the

administration of both Human Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) and vaccine. Administration of rabies post exposure prophylaxis is a medical

urgency, not a medical emergency, but decisions must not be delayed. Incubation periods of greater than one year have been reported in

humans. Thus, when a documented or likely exposure has occurred, post exposure prophylaxis is indicated regardless of the length of the

delay, provided the clinical signs of rabies are not present in the person.

As a result of a general shortage of rabies vaccine providers should consult with the Division of Public Health to ensure appropriate use

of post-exposure prophylaxis. Questions should be directed to the DPH Rabies Program which answers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by

calling 302-744-4545.