MARION COUNTY, Kan. — The Marion County Health Department is reporting a suspected rabies case involving a feral or stray cat at Marion County Lake.
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals including humans. Signs of a rabid animal included unprovoked aggression, excessive salivation, staggering and paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and unusual behavior.
Exposure occurs if you are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal or if saliva or brain tissue contacts broken skin, eyes, mouth or nose.
If you believe you have been exposed, seek medical care immediately and notify the Marion County Health Department at 620-382-2550. To report an aggressive animal contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 620-382-2144
You’re also strongly recommended to avoid contact with wild or feral animals, keep pets up to date on vaccinations, and report any suspicious animal behavior.
