COOKS CORNER—The Essex County Health Department has confirmed that a stray cat recently tested positive for rabies in the Miller’s Tavern area of Essex County.
Individuals who have contacted an unknown cat or another animal by a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva, should contact their doctor and then notify the Essex County Health Department at 443-3396.
Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. The most common exposure to rabies is a bite by rabid animals but can also be transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal if it makes contact with open wounds, mouth, eyes, or nose. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets up to date with a rabies vaccination.
“The Health Department is encouraging all of our residents to ensure that their pets are up to date on rabies vaccination and to stay away from wild and unknown animals….
