Rockland County Department of Health Issues Rabies Exposure Warning for New Hempstead

By M. C. Millman

This morning, the Rockland County Health Department issued a rabies exposure warning to residents of New Hempstead after a grey cat in New Hempstead tested positive for rabies.

Residents who live near Grandview Avenue and Brick Church Road in New Hempstead may have been exposed to a cat that was confirmed to have rabies.

The health department obtained the young, solid grey shorthair cat on July 12. The cat pictured showed signs of illness and was monitored and tested for rabies.

Union Road across from the Hempstead Elementary School and Patricia Lane and Barrie Drive are all areas of concern.  

"The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. People and pets usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal.

It is also possible, but rare, to get rabies from non-bite exposures, including scratches, abrasions, or open wounds exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal.

If medical treatment is started soon after a rabies exposure, rabies can be prevented. Without intervention, rabies is a fatal disease," says County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. 

Anyone who might have been in contact with a cat matching this description and who was scratched or bitten should contact the Rockland County Health Department as soon as possible. During business hours, 8:00 am -5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, call (845) 364-2594. After business hours and on weekends, call (845) 364-8600 to be connected with the after-hours staff.