A feral cat in the Towne Lake area of Godley Station in Chatham County has tested positive for rabies and Chatham County Health Department officials are seeking a man they believe may have been bitten by the cat. At least five other people were exposed to the cat which was a gray and white tabby, according to a news release issued by the health department Tuesday afternoon. Those people have been identified. Anyone who may have been scratched or bitten by the cat is urged to call the Environmental Health Division of the Health Department at 356-2160.
Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Residents should avoid contact with wild or stray animals, watch for unusual behavior in pets and wildlife, and get pets vaccinated against rabies.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.