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Sat Nov 21 17:23:14 PST 2009

NEWS

Woman Bitten By Rabid Cat Says Stray Was 'Just A Kitten'

Cayle Thompson

Thursday, November 19, 2009 A Wichita woman is undergoing treatment for rabies after being attacked by a kitten she'd been feeding on her porch for several weeks. Marlene Hamm says she stepped outside one morning to get the mail, when the cat lunged at her foot. "This was just a little, tiny cat," she said. "I had socks on, but no shoes. And he just latched right on to my foot. He hung on pretty tight." Hamm says the cat bit and scratched her foot, breaking the skin and drawing blood. Hamm called Wichita Animal Control, who captured the cat. Authorities say it was obvious something was wrong with the animal. The cat was euthanized and the remains sent for testing. On Monday, Nov. 16, officials learned the cat was positive for rabies. Hamm quickly began a series of shots to make sure she did not contract the potentially deadly virus. "There's a natural reservoir for rabies in any community," said Environmental Services manager Don Henry on Wednesday. Henry said the most common carriers are wild animals - like skunks, bats and raccoons - who then spread the disease to domestic animals. So far in 2009, seven animals have tested positive for Rabies. They include one cat, one dog, and five skunks. In 2008, only one animal - a cat - was found to have rabies in the city limits. After results came back on the kitten Hamm was feeding, authorities canvassed her neighborhood, distributing fliers warning others to be careful. “If you own a cat or a dog which has not been vaccinated, you are putting your health and the community at risk,” said Kay Johnson, Environmental Services Director. Vaccinating your pets protects them from contracting rabies and protects your family, officials said Thursday. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that humans can catch by coming into contact with infected dogs, cats and ferrets, as well as wild animals. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in Wichita and in Sedgwick County. As for Hamm, she says she's learned a valuable - and painful - lesson. "I'm not feeding any more cats," Hamm said. "No, no. I've learned my lesson." Rabies symptoms in animals often include changes in their normal behavior, weakness, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, unusual biting or snapping behavior, strange vocalizations, and in wildlife - a loss of fear of people. To report animal bites, or if your pet animal comes in contact with a skunk or other wild animal, please call City of Wichita Animal Services at (316) 268-8356 to report the incident. For incidents that occur outside the city limits of Wichita, call Sedgwick County Animal Control at (316) 660-7070.

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