Mass Human Exposures to One Rabid Kitten

Abstract

On October 22, 1994, a State public health laboratory diagnosed rabies in a kitten that had been purchased from a pet store in the State capital. On October 19, the animal developed seizures, then died of unknown causes during the night of October 20–21. Approximately 665 persons received rabies postexposure prophylaxis because of exposure to this kitten and other cats from the same pet store. This case is intended to walk the reader through the situation as it actually happened and identify potential opportunities for interventions that would have resulted in fewer people exposed, fewer rabies prophylaxis administrations, lower costs, and reduced community concern.© The Author 2023