HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES COUNTYWIDE RABIES ALERT

The Cape Girardeau County Health Department issued a rabies alert for the entire county Friday.

Vicky McDowell, communicable disease coordinator, said the alert was issued after health officials were notified by the state Friday morning that a specimen had tested positive for rabies. The animal was a kitten found in the Gordonville area, she said.

"Since we ordinarily don't have any rabies cases in the county, that is considered grounds for a rabies alert," she said. "This is an unusual thing for Cape County."

So far this year, only one other case of rabies has been confirmed. A skunk was found to be rabid earlier this year, McDowell said.

With the alert, she said, animal owners need to be reminded that their animals should be vaccinated against rabies. It's also important for people to make sure their pets and children aren't playing with stray animals or wild animals, McDowell said.

Rabies is caused by a virus that can affect the nerve tissue in all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It results in death by paralysis.