Feral kitten tests positive for rabies in Ocean View
Delaware public health officials are warning of a feral kitten that tested positive for rabies in Ocean View.
Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Ocean View residents who reside in the Plantation Park community of a positive case of rabies in a feral kitten that came into contact with a human.
The individual was exposed to the kitten while taking care of a litter of kittens on the person’s property. The person sought medical care for the kitten after it suffered an injury.
Based on symptoms at the time of care, the kitten was tested for rabies, and test results returned on Friday, Nov. 1, confirming the suspected diagnosis.
The remaining kittens in the litter were trapped by DPH and euthanized to prevent any additional rabies exposures to humans or animals. The exposed caretaker also has begun treatment for rabies exposure.
While additional human exposure in this case is low, anyone in this area who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with a feral kitten should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995.
An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks their pet may have been bitten by a feral kitten should call their private veterinarian or the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4500 or email deanimalhealth@delaware.gov.
