Rabies Detected in Stray Kitten Found in Oakland County: What to Know

OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan – A kitten found stray in Oakland County was euthanized after developing symptoms of rabies.

The kitten was found missing on June 14 in Oakland County. He was taken to a vet for an exam. Initially it seemed healthy, but after a few days, the kitten became lethargic, lost its appetite, and began to vomit.

The kitten developed neurological symptoms of rabies, including tremors, incoordination, and biting. The kitten was euthanized.

Rabies is a viral disease most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

As of June 28, there have been 14 rabid animals, including the kitten, found in Michigan. The other cases include eight bats and five skunks that were found in seven different counties throughout the Lower Peninsula.

How to protect yourself and your pets from rabies

You should visit your vet regularly and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all cats, ferrets and dogs.

Even if an animal is kept indoors, it is important to keep their rabies vaccination up to date in case they are ever exposed to a stray animal carrying the disease.

Ferrets and dogs are required by Michigan law to be vaccinated against rabies.

If you are exposed to a wild animal, you should wash all bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.

If you think you or your animal may have had contact with rabid wild animals, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or MDARD at 800-292-3939 to determine next steps.

What are the symptoms of rabies in a person?

The first symptoms of rabies in people can include fever, headache, general weakness and malaise.

People may also feel a stinging or stinging sensation at the site of the bite. Symptoms can last for days.

Over time, neurological symptoms may appear. These can include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water.

Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

What are the symptoms of rabies in an animal?

Rabid animals can behave strangely or unexpectedly.

Early symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, and lack of appetite.

The latter symptoms include weakness, difficulty walking, paralysis, seizures, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, and aggression.

What is the treatment for rabies?

To prevent rabies in a person who has been potentially exposed, the person undergoes a series of injections called Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

People who have never received rabies vaccines in the past should receive both the rabies antibody (rabies immunoglobulin or HRIG) and the vaccine. People who have already been vaccinated will only need the rabies vaccine.

Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. At that time, treatment is supportive only.

the state of michigan has more information on rabies available online.