One person exposed to rabies from cat in Madison County

Hamilton, N.Y. — One person was exposed to rabies from a cat in Madison County, officials said.

A stray black cat was found at the Seven Oaks Golf Club in Hamilton on Sunday, said Samantha Field, a spokesperson for the county.

The cat was tested on Monday and the positive rabies results were received on Tuesday, Field said.

One person was “exposed” to the cat and is receiving treatment, she said. Field did not say what sort of exposure it was.

Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly in people if medical care is not received before symptoms start, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials ask anyone who has interacted with a black cat in the area of Seven Oaks Golf Course since October 10, 2024, to call Madison County Public Health at 315-366-2361.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.