Manchester cat being tested for rabies

By Robert Cann
Staff Writer

January 08, 2009 05:40 am

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MANCHESTER — The body of house cat killed by a car Monday was sent out for rabies testing because a firefighter who handled it had open wounds on his hands and did not wear gloves.

The cat had been killed by a car in front 16 Lincoln St. and the firefighter picked up the body at 11:12 p.m. Monday.

Because the firefighter's hands were cut, and the cat's rabies status was unclear, the animal was taken to the Jamaica Plains Department of Public Health to be tested for the disease. As of 3:30 p.m. yesterday the results had not been returned.

Rabies causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in mammals. It is most commonly caused by a bite from an infected animal, but occasionally by other forms of contact. If left untreated in humans, it is almost invariably fatal. Prompt post-exposure vaccination may prevent the virus from progressing.

Because the cat was a family pet, police believe it is highly unlikely that the rabies test will return positive.

Also from the police and fire logs:

An Eagle Street resident notified police of a loud noise, "like fireworks," coming from Singing Beach at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday. A police officer in the area at the time reported hearing no noise.

The Department of Public Works removed a muffler in the road from Mill Street yesterday.