Testing by State Hygienic Laboratory on Saturday, April 15 confirmed a case of rabies in a cat from northern Iowa.

The specimen was received and prepped at the Hygienic Laboratory by Tim Krabill, clerk, and tested by microbiologist Gina Kline. Results were available within a few hours of the receipt of the specimen.

The majority of reported rabies cases occur in wild animals, including bats, skunks and raccoons. Rabies also can be carried by cats, dogs, other domesticated animals and livestock. It is transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite.

Last year, 19 cases of animal rabies were confirmed in the state; 12 of these in bats.

Rabies infection in humans is extremely rare. The last two known cases in Iowa occurred in 2002 and 1951.

Rabies infects the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. Death may occur within days of the onset of symptoms.