Public Health | Positive Rabies Test
Positive rabies test in the Mills Road area of Greenville
PITT COUNTY, N.C. – On Monday, September 14, 2026, a sample from a stray cat was sent for rabies testing, and on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Pitt County Health Department was notified that the cat tested positive for rabies. The cat was found in the Mills Road area of Greenville. An individual who encountered the cat has received necessary prophylaxis and is receiving appropriate follow up.
Currently, there is no danger to humans or other animals as a result of this incident. Anyone bitten or exposed to saliva potentially infected with rabies should contact their healthcare provider or Pitt County Health Department for a rabies risk assessment. The Pitt County Health Department Communicable Disease Line can be reached at 252-902-2316.
“Rabies is still present in our community, and any close encounter with a sick animal can carry serious health risks,” said Wes Gray, Pitt County Health Director. “Give unfamiliar or ill animals space and keep your pets’ vaccinations current.”
If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and contact your doctor. Note the animal's location and description for animal control, and do not try to catch a wild animal yourself — call animal control immediately. If it's someone's pet, get the owner's name and address. Any mammal can transmit rabies, so the animal will need to be evaluated or tested.
What you can do to prevent rabies exposure:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.
- Keep pets inside. Supervise pets outside, and keep dogs on a leash.
- Do not feed pets outside. Pet food and mulch attract wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife, feral cats or feral dogs.
- Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.
For more information about rabies in North Carolina, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services / NC Public Health Epidemiology website at http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html or contact the Pitt County Public Health Department at 252-902-2300 or Pitt County Animal Services at 252-902-1729.
Pitt County’s Mission is to enhance the community’s well-being with care, respect and efficiency. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
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Media Contact: Dawn C. Jones, Director, Public Information & Media Relations | dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2993
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