NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The Westchester County Health Department is asking for help in finding individuals who dropped off a rabid cat at the Yonkers Animal Hospital.
“These individuals may have been exposed to the rabies virus and require immediate medical evaluation,” the health department said in a release on Wednesday.
The department released surveillance images of the two individuals to assist in identifying them.
The man was seen wearing an orange camouflage jacket, while the woman carried the cat in a beige tote bag and wore a black jacket and a black hat with a pom-pom. The two left the hospital without providing their names or contact information.
“Health officials need to determine whether these individuals were exposed to the rabies virus, which is fatal if untreated,” the release stated.
Officials are asking the individuals to call the Westchester County Department of Health immediately at (914) 813-5000.
“Rabies is fatal, but it is also 100 percent preventable with post-exposure treatment. To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “If you see an injured or sick animal, call police. Teach your children not to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young, injured, or friendly, and to tell you right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.”
According to the health department, a rabid animal may act abnormally aggressive or unusually tame, lose its fear of humans, or display symptoms such as staggering, frothing at the mouth, or lethargy.
The health department reminds residents that any physical contact with wild or unfamiliar animals should be reported to a health care provider, and all animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Health Department.