Jewell County authorities are urging residents to be cautious of rabies after a farm cat tested positive for the disease.
The infected animal was discovered near Webber, marking the county’s first reported rabies case in 2024. The Jewell County Health Department emphasizes the importance of vaccinating animals to prevent rabies transmission.
Rabies in Kansas is primarily spread by skunks or bats. To prevent rabies exposure, the health department recommends:
- Avoid handling or feeding wild animals.
- Never feed, pet, or adopt wild animals.
- Do not attempt to nurse a sick wild animal. Contact a local rescue group or animal control instead.
- Educate children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domesticated.
- If bitten by an animal, seek immediate medical attention and notify your local health department or animal control.
- If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian.
- If you wake up in a room with a bat present, seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not believe you have been bitten or scratched. If possible, trap the bat for testing.
By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your community from rabies.
