Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Health Department is seeking public assistance in identifying individuals who brought a rabid cat to the Yonkers Animal Hospital. These individuals may have been exposed to the rabies virus and need immediate medical evaluation. The department urges anyone with information or those recognizing the people from surveillance footage to contact them promptly.

Health officials are trying to locate a man and woman who left the cat at the hospital without providing their names or contact details. It is crucial for these individuals to be evaluated for potential exposure to rabies, a disease that is fatal if not treated.

Anyone who had contact with the cat, described as being less than a year old and possibly hit by a vehicle, should call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. This line operates around the clock.

At the time of drop-off, one individual was wearing an orange camouflage jacket while another carried the cat in a beige tote bag and wore a black jacket along with a black hat featuring a pom-pom.

Dr. Sherlita Amler, Health Commissioner, emphasized: “Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment. To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays. If you see an injured or sick animal, call police.” She further advised against approaching unknown animals and stressed keeping pets' vaccinations current.

Rabies can manifest through unusual behavior in animals; they might become either overly aggressive or uncharacteristically docile. Symptoms like loss of fear towards humans, excitement, irritability, passivity, lethargy, staggering, or frothing at the mouth can occur. Any physical interaction with unfamiliar animals should be reported to healthcare providers immediately.

For additional details on rabies prevention and safety measures visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call (914) 813-5010.

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