WYOMISSING, Pa. – The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) is issuing a warning to residents of the Wyomissing area after an injured cat tested positive for rabies.
The ARL received results for a positive rabies case after an injured brown tabby and white kitten were located by a resident near Hill Avenue in Wyomissing Borough on Saturday, July 26.
Wyomissing Borough, the ARL and the Pennsylvania Department of Health are assessing the exposure to all individuals involved.
As a precaution, residents should be alert for other animals in the area with signs of illness and should not allow their pets outside unsupervised.
Anyone that suspects they have been in contact with an animal infected with rabies is advised to seek immediate medical attention.
If you suspect that an animal is infected with rabies, please contact the animal control provider of your municipality or your local police department and do not approach the animal.
Common symptoms of rabies in animals include general sickness, swallowing problems, excessive drool or saliva, an animal who bites at everything, an animal who appears tamer than you would expect, an animal who is having trouble moving or may be paralyzed, or a bat that is on the ground.
According to the CDC, rabies is a neurological virus that infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death in 99.9% of human cases if left untreated.
Experts say making sure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and keeping them away from unfamiliar animals, especially wildlife, is the most effective way to keep pets safe.
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