Cat That Attacked Jewish Monsey Residents Identified As Having Rabies
by Monsey.info
A rabid cat caught by Rockland Chaverim this week and placed under observation has been identified as having rabies, just days after attacking multiple Rockland residents.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert informed residents Friday morning about the potential rabies exposure.
“Residents who live in a specific area of Monsey may have been exposed to a cat that has been confirmed to have rabies,” a Press Release from the Rockland County Department of Health said. “The young, solid grey shorthair cat was obtained by the health department on July 12th. The cat in the attached picture showed signs of illness and was monitored and tested for rabies.”
The story behind the exposures began in the residential neighborhood between Grandview Avenue and Brick Church Road in the Village of New Hempstead, when a Jewish man fended off an attack by the cat using just his tallis bag.
The first incident was quickly followed by a second where a frantic mother called Chaverim after the cat attacked her children and would not leave them alone. Chaverim responded and was able to capture the cat.
“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 medical treatment is started soon after a rabies exposure, rabies can be prevented. Without intervention, rabies is a fatal disease,” said Dr. Ruppert.
According o the Department of Health, the area of concern is on Union Road across from the Hempstead Elementary School and includes Patricia Lane and Barrie Drive.
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, 8:00 am -5:00 pm, 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.
