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Rabid cat scratches five people

Delaware health officials say at least five residents of the Belvedere area near Wilmington have been bitten or scratched by a cat that tested positive for rabies.Department of Health and Social Services spokeswoman Jill Fredel says the young adult black-and-white domestic short-hair was caught last week near Cedar Avenue in Cedar Heights. The animal, which was euthanized, was the first cat found to be rabid this year. The five exposed people were expected to get a series of shots to prevent the fatal disease that has no cure once symptoms develop. The Division of Public Health warned that others who may have been exposed to the fatal disease should contact health providers or the division’s rabies program.

Delaware health officials say at least five residents of the Belvedere area near Wilmington have been bitten or scratched by a cat that tested positive for rabies.

Department of Health and Social Services spokeswoman Jill Fredel says the young adult black-and-white domestic short-hair was caught last week near Cedar Avenue in Cedar Heights. The animal, which was euthanized, was the first cat found to be rabid this year.

The five exposed people were expected to get a series of shots to prevent the fatal disease that has no cure once symptoms develop. The Division of Public Health warned that others who may have been exposed to the fatal disease should contact health providers or the division's rabies program.