The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Acute Disease Service (ADS) is advising residents of Davis, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas about a rabid cat found in the area. The cat was described as a medium-size, healthy looking black cat that was found in the area of the Arbuckle Wedding Chapel in Davis, Oklahoma on or around May 22, 2017. The cat was showing signs of aggression and was euthanized. Testing at the OSDH Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of rabies.
Public health officials are working to identify any persons who may have been bitten or attacked by a black cat in the area between May 7 and May 22, 2017 to assess of any potential exposure to rabies and provide recommendations for post-exposure treatment as indicated. Persons who had bites or scratches from a cat matching this description during this time period are requested to immediately contact the ADS Epidemiologist-on-call at (405) 271-4060.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms of the disease have started. Rabies virus is found in the brain, spinal cord, and saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through a bite or opening in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
Rabies information is also available on the Oklahoma State Department of Health web site at http://www.ok.gov/health/.
Last Modified on
Jun 03, 2022
