Health Officials Trying To Find Anyone Who Had Contact With Rabid Cat

YONKERS, NY — The man and the woman who were being sought by health officials after coming into contact with a rabid kitten, were not exposed to the disease, but Westchester County health officials are urgently seeking others who might have been exposed.

After an urgent search by health officials, the two who dropped the injured cat off at Yonkers Animal Hospital on Dec. 12, were found when they returned to check on the kitten.

Westchester County Health Department staff spoke with the pair, and nurses confirmed that they were not exposed to rabies and do not require post-exposure treatment. They reported finding the kitten on the sidewalk at the intersection of Locust Hill Avenue and Overlook Terrace.

Now, the health department wants to make certain no one else in the area was exposed to the disease.

Rabies is a fatal disease, and anyone who had direct contact with the kitten is being urged to call the health department to assess their potential exposure and need for treatment. Notices have been posted in the area to alert the community.

County residents are also reminded of the importance of keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date, as required by New York state law. Dogs, cats and ferrets must receive rabies vaccinations and regular booster shots to protect against this deadly disease.

The Westchester County Department of Health is urging anyone who may have had contact with a rabid black kitten near Locust Hill Avenue and Overlook Terrace in Yonkers on December 12 to contact the Health Department immediately at 914-813-5000.

For more information about rabies and vaccination requirements, visit the Westchester County Health Department website or call the Rabies Infoline at 914-813-5010.