A Gloucester Township family is undergoing medical treatment after taking in an ill, stray kitten that died 24 hours later of rabies, Camden County health officials said Friday.
The unidentified family of two adults and two children found the kitten Tuesday night and tried to nurse it back to health, officials said in a statement.
But the kitten died Wednesday night and a township animal control officer who picked it up arranged to have it tested for rabies the next morning.
The results came back positive Friday, and officials informed the family they would have to receive rabies prophylaxis shots because of their exposure to the animal.
Two dogs in the house are thought to be current with their rabies vaccines but will receive prophylaxis treatment as well, officials said.
"Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment," said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. "If you have been bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention."
Rodriguez said residents should report stray animals and not take them in because they could be affected with the disease.
