On Oct. 6, a stray kitten that died in Douglas County, Nebraska was confirmed by the CDC as having rabies. Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. The virus is typically present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through a bite or scratch. The virus can incubate for several weeks to months but ranges from days to years.
Unfortunately, once a person begins to show signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. However, rabies is 100 percent preventable through appropriate medical treatment. If any students have had contact with a cat acting sick or strange since August, contact the Douglas County Health Department immediately to discuss potential rabies exposure and appropriate treatment if necessary.
Students can call the Douglas County Health Department information line at 402-444-3400.