Rabies Case Confirmed In Rockland Neighborhood

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Residents in a New Hempstead neighborhood may have been exposed to a rabid cat, Rockland County health officials announced Friday.

"If medical treatment is started soon after a rabies exposure, rabies can be prevented. Without intervention, rabies is a fatal disease," said Rockland Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert.

The residential neighborhood is between Grandview Avenue and Brick Church Road in the village of New Hempstead. The area of particular concern is on Union Road across from the Hempstead Elementary School. It includes Patricia Lane and Barrie Drive.

The young, grey, shorthair cat was obtained by the health department on Tuesday. The cat (in the photo above) showed signs of illness and was monitored and tested for rabies.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. People and pets usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but rare, to get rabies from non-bite exposures, including scratches, abrasions, or open wounds exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal.

If you or a family member have been in contact with a cat matching this description in this area and have been scratched or bitten, please contact the Rockland County Health Department as soon as possible.

During business hours, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Friday, call (845) 364-2594. After business hours and on weekends, call (845) 364-8600 to be connected with the after-hours staff.

For more information on the rabies virus, visit the Rockland health department's website or the CDC webpage.