Cat found near Mount Oliver playground tests positive for rabies

MOUNT OLIVER, Pa. — The Allegheny County Health Department issued a warning to parents after a cat that was found near a Mount Oliver playground tested positive for rabies.

The cat was found on Monday on Otilla Street, which is very close to Phillip Murray Playground, officials said.

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"All residents should avoid any kind of contact with stray animals, especially those in the Mount Oliver area where the cat was found," said Health Department director Dr. Karen Hacker. "If any animal appears to be acting strange or becomes threatening, residents should notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission immediately."

Health Department officials said rabies is a virus that is transmitted by a bite, scratch, or saliva from an infected animal.  It can be fatal if untreated.

The cat found in this case was not foaming at the mouth, which is a typical sign of rabies, but was lethargic and appeared sick, officials said.

Health Department officials urge anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from a stray animal to clean the area with soap and water and then seek emergency medical treatment.

So far in 2017, a total of 15 rabid animals have been reported in Allegheny County.

Cox Media Group