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Rabies Warning Issued After Cat Attacks Man
Health Officials Concerned Victim's Cats Could Be Affected

POSTED: 1:12 pm EDT March 21, 2007
UPDATED: 1:21 pm EDT March 21, 2007

PALM BAY, Fla. -- A man attacked and bitten by a stray cat while working
earlier this month began rabies treatment on Wednesday as health officials
issued a warning about other feral felines in the area, Local 6 News partner
Florida Today reported.

The Brevard County Health Department issued the warning after confirming
that the cat tested positive for the deadly disease. The attack happened
Tuesday as the unidentified man, who also cares for a number of cats in his
home, was clearing a lot on Scodella Street in southwest Palm Bay, health
department officials said.

"It was a stray cat that came up to the man while he was working outside.
The cat hugged his leg and was scratching him," said Dr. Heidar Heshmati,
director of the health department.

"When he reached down to grab the cat, he was bitten on the right thumb,"
Heshmati said.

The man held the cat until Brevard County Animal Services came. The cat was
then put to sleep after a veterinarian decided the animal would likely not
survive a mandatory quarantine, Heshmati said.

"We are investigating to see if any of his cats were exposed to this stray
cat. Not all of them are vaccinated," Heshmati said. "We have to remind the
neighbors that if we have one rabid cat, it could mean that others are rabid
also. They have to avoid any stray cats in that area."

The man will get shots of gamma globulin around the bite wound to stave off
rabies.

Rabies is a viral disease that is often transmitted through animal bites.
About 55,000 people worldwide die from rabies each year, according to the
Center for Disease Control.

Officials said residents should:

a.. Report any strange behavior of any animals

a.. Avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons and bats

a.. Immunize cats and dogs against rabies