A feral cat that recently bit or scratched at least one person in Bridgeville has tested positive for rabies.

Officials with the Delaware Division of Public Health are warning residents near Main Street, also known as business Route 13, Fawn Road and Redden Road that the black, domestic shorthair cat tested positive for rabies April 5. The cat, which was picked up April 4, has been euthanized.

Anyone who thinks they may have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with the cat's saliva, or that of another feral cat in the area, should immediately contact their doctor or call the division's Rabies Program at 302-744-4995.

The division said traps are being placed in the area to capture any feral cats that potentially have been exposed. People are advised to stay away from the traps, a press release from the division states.

“Due to the very serious health concerns with rabies, any feral animal that may have come in contact with an infected feral cat must be humanely euthanized,” a department spokeswoman said in an email. “Some that have been trapped have already been exhibiting symptoms.”

In order to test for rabies, the animal must be euthanized.

State officials also warn people to avoid wild and feral animals, ensure their pets are current with rabies shots and to keep pets indoors or on a leash while outside to avoid potential exposure to rabies.

Since January 2017, the Division of Public Health has tested 23 animals for rabies, three of which, including the black cat from Bridgeville, tested positive. The other two animals were a raccoon in Townsend and a dog in Newark.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous systems of humans and mammals. Infection can spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, or if saliva from an infected animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin. Once a human or animal begins to show symptoms, rabies cannot be cured, the agency states.

For more, go to dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or cdc.gov/rabies, or call 866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional information.