ARLINGTON, Va. -- Arlington County Public Health officials announced on Friday that 23 people have had contact with a stray kitten that tested positive for rabies.
"This case is a sobering reminder of how important it is to avoid contact with all wild and stray animals, even cute kittens," said Arlington Public Health Director Dr. Reuben Varghese.
The kitten was found by Arlington Ridge residents near Fort Scott Park, authorities said. It was given to a family as a gift.
After the kitten became sick, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington removed it from the home, officials said. A state laboratory tested it for rabies.
Amy Vennett, a public health nurse with the Communicable Disease Bureau of the County's Public Health Division, said the investigation is complete. At least one person was bitten by the kitten.
"All these individuals will undergo the preventive therapy for rabies," she said.
The treatment is a series of five shots administered on schedule over 28 days.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington said its investigation revealed that the kitten was part of a three-kitten litter. One other kitten from the litter has been found and will be tested for rabies, but the third kitten and their mother have not been found. A humane trap has been set to catch them.
There were six animal rabies cases in Arlington in 2006. During the first half of 2007, rabies was confirmed in three raccoons and one cat.
For information about rabies call the Arlington County Public Health Department at 703-228-5200. Call the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at 703-931-9241 to report sick or injured animals.
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