NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 1997

SECOND CASE OF RABIES THIS YEAR REPORTED IN CARY

CARY --Town of Cary Animal Control confirms that a second case of rabies has been reported in Cary. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 2, 1997, when a dog running free on Fawn Court in central Cary encountered a wild raccoon. The raccoon was captured by Cary officials and tested in Raleigh. The Town was notified late yesterday that the raccoon was infected with the rabies virus. The dog, which had been vaccinated against the disease, has received a booster shot and is in quarantine at a local veterinary clinic for 10 days.

"It is so important that citizens guard against this disease," said Lt. Pat Scaringelli of the Cary Police Department. "While Cary’s number of reported rabies cases is very low compared to surrounding communities, we all need to operate under the assumption that a strange animal, wild or domestic, may be a dangerous animal," she added. This is the second case of rabies to be reported in Cary this year and the ninth confirmed case in the last two years.

Pet owners must use caution when dealing with any pet that may have been harmed by a suspicious animal. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when helping your injured pet, and stay away from any bodily fluids, especially saliva. As always, avoid any wild animal and have all pets--cats, dogs, and horses-- vaccinated against the disease. Seek help immediately if you or your pets are bitten by any animal, and notify officials as soon as possible.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Lt. Pat Scaringelli, Cary Police, 460-4919

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951

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