A puppy has tested positive for rabies in Denton County, health officials say.
The infected puppy was from a litter west of Krum, near the intersection of Plainview and Knox roads, Denton County Public Health announced Thursday.
"Other members of that litter are being tested for rabies," Denton County Public Health Director Dr. Matt Richardson said. "And we've been working with family members who were exposed, other family units who were exposed, and vaccinating them."
While it's unlikely that the puppy has infected any people, the consequence of that happening would be extremely dire.
"Rabies is very nearly 100% fatal in humans," Richardson said.
That's why anyone who lives near that intersection who may have been exposed to the puppies from that litter between Nov. 19 and Dec. 7 is advised to contact Denton County Public Health right away -- time is of the essence.
"We want anyone who was exposed to these animals to contact us so we can interview you and then possibly offer vaccine and immune globulin," Richardson said.
The puppy who tested positive for rabies was euthanized, as will any other animal who tests positive.
"There's not an effective treatment for rabies in animals -- or humans, for that matter," Richardson said.
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