UPDATE: A family worries after kitten tests positive for rabies in El Paso County

A family of four has started a series of shots after learning their kitten tested positive to rabies.

On Feb. 27, a kitten tested positive for rabies at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory. Further testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will help determine the type of rabies the kitten had and how it may have been infected.

Justine Jovel adopted the cat after seeing a post on Craigslist. She took the black cat, named Jello, to a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian gave the cat a rabies vaccination. Jello also underwent a wellness assessment and passed. Still, the veterinarian encouraged Jovel to quarantine the cat for 10 days as a precaution so the cat was kept away from the family and Jovel’s other pets.

After 10 days, Jello was healthy and was introduced to the family.

“She was the healthiest cat for two weeks, she was very social, she didn’t have any problems with my dogs,” said Jovel.

But Jello took a turn for the worse.

“She got super sick, she started breathing through her mouth,” said Jovel.

Tests run on Jello showed the kitten had rabies. The Jovel’s two other dogs and a cat had to be put down since they were exposed.

“Definitely something we weren’t going to take any chances with because we knew they had been exposed,” said Jovel. “I wanted to make sure my kids were OK, that was the first thing.”

It’s been a learning lesson for Jovel.

“I think the main message out of all of this is just to keep your animals vaccinated. And if you take in a stray, exercise extreme caution,” said Jovel.

El Paso County Public Health has identified 16 individuals who have possibly been exposed to the rabid kitten in addition to the Jovel family. Others exposed have also been treated with preventative medicine.

This is the first rabid domestic cat in El Paso County since 1966.

Symptoms of rabies are similar in both humans and animals. Symptoms include excessive drooling, hallucinations and neurological problems. People and animals suffering from rabies may have trouble walking or fall down.

Reports of Confirmed Rabies in El Paso County, Colorado (2010-2015)

2015: 1 (cat) 2014: 10 (bats) 2013: 8 (4 bats, 2 foxes, 2 skunks) 2012: 3 (3 bats) 2011: 15 (5 bats, 1 fox, 9 skunks) 2010: 17 (8 bats, 4 foxes, 5 skunks)

Take these precautions to prevent rabies:

Vaccinate your pets against rabies by using a licensed veterinarian. Rabies shots need to be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian. When walking or hiking with your dog, protect them and wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash. Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to other domestic animals and wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal. Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals like skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available – please don’t leave pet food outdoors. If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, call your doctor and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (719) 473-1741. If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for options (719) 473-1741. Contact an animal-control or wildlife conservation agency for assistance with “bat-proofing” your home. Information is also available at www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/management

How to recognize sick or diseased wildlife:

Healthy wild animals are normally afraid of humans. Foxes are active at night but can also be seen out during the day, especially if they are looking for food for their pups. Sick or diseased animals often do not run away when spotted by people. Wildlife suffering from rabies will often act aggressively and violently approach people or pets. However, sometimes rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide. If they are hiding, leave them alone. Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking. Report sick or diseased animals to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 227-5200.