CARTERET COUNTY, NC (November 7, 2024) – The Carteret County Health Department confirmed today that a stray cat in the Ocean Spray subdivision off VFW Road near Cedar Point has tested positive for rabies. This marks the first confirmed rabies case in the county in over three years.

Earlier this week, animal control responded to reports of the cat exhibiting aggressive behavior, including biting two individuals and approaching a third. The cat was subsequently tested at the NC State Public Health Lab and confirmed to be rabid.

All individuals exposed to the rabid cat have received post-exposure treatment. At this time, no other incidents related to the animal have been reported. 

“We encourage the public to be aware of their surroundings and the presence of both wildlife and domestic animals when they are enjoying time outdoors,” said Carteret County Health Director Nina Oliver. “Anyone who believes that they have been bitten by or exposed to a sick animal should seek proper medical treatment and contact the Health Department to report the bite.”

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated. The virus is typically transmitted through a bite from a rabid animal, but can also spread if the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with open wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth.

To protect yourself and your family from rabies, the health department recommends: 

• Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up-to-date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

• Leave young wildlife alone. If you find a juvenile animal that appears to need help, it is best to leave it alone and call a wildlife professional.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Carteret County Health Department for further recommendations.

To help residents protect their pets, Carteret County Animal Control will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, November 16. The drive-thru event will take place in the parking lot of the Carteret County Health Department at 3820 Bridges St., Morehead City, from 8 to 11 a.m., or until supplies last. Open to all Carteret County residents, the clinic will provide free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with proof of residency required. For safety, all participants are asked to remain in their vehicles throughout the event.

For more information about rabies and its prevention, contact the Carteret County Health Department at 252-728-8585 or visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.

###