On June 8, 2022, Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) was notified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) state lab that the presence of rabies was found in a cat that was initially from Jefferson County. The cat was collected from another county in Missouri after exhibiting symptoms and investigation concluded they tested positive for a rabies variant associated with skunks. There are no other positive cases associated with this animal at this time.
This is the first animal in 2022 to test positive for rabies. Last year, Jefferson County had two bats test positive for rabies as well. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Although relatively uncommon, rabies is always considered to be present or endemic within certain types of animals in Missouri.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start. There is no cure for rabies. Timely administration of rabies post-exposure vaccinations can protect those that may have been exposed to the virus. For more information on rabies, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.
Rabies Prevention
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The health department does not regularly collect animals for rabies testing. Only animals that have had contact, or significant potential for contact, with humans may be submitted for testing. If an animal is found, use precaution to dispose of it in a way to avoid all exposure and apply the necessary protective equipment.