The cat had been brought to an animal shelter on May 23 for monitoring and began exhibiting symptoms on June 5, leading to the arrangement of rabies testing.

Upon receiving notification from the animal shelter, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services was informed on June 10 about the rabid animal. Fortunately, the only known human exposure was the veterinarian at the shelter, who reportedly took proper precautions.

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, the liaison to the Camden County Health Department, emphasized the importance of early treatment to prevent the serious illness. People are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal.

To prevent the spread of rabies, health officials are reminding residents and pet owners to keep their pets' vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is also advised to keep pets under direct supervision and avoid contact with wild animals.

If a pet is bitten by a wild animal, veterinary assistance should be sought immediately. Residents are further encouraged to contact their local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from their neighborhoods, as they may be unvaccinated and potentially infected by the disease.

To minimize the risk of exposure, it's recommended to enjoy wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from a distance. Handling, feeding, or unintentionally attracting wild animals with open garbage cans or litter should be avoided. It is crucial not to adopt or bring wild animals into homes, and sick animals should be reported to animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.

Children should be taught never to handle unfamiliar animals, whether wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Additionally, efforts should be made to prevent bats from entering living quarters or spaces occupied by people or pets.

For those traveling abroad, it is advised to avoid direct contact with wild animals, especially dogs in developing countries. Rabies is unfortunately common in areas such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where tens of thousands of people die from the disease each year.

For further information, individuals can visit the CDC website or contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.

As rabies remains a serious concern, it is crucial for the community to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their own health and the well-being of their pets.