David Burton

David Burton, Environmental Supervisor

"We're not aware of anything happening here yet as far as any infections or anyone being exposed to it," said David Burton, environmental health supervisor with the Barren River District Health Department, which covers Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Simpson and Warren counties.
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Reducing the number of mosquitoes swarming around homes can help cut down on the chances of being exposed to the virus, Burton said.

"Change the water regularly and put larvicide in the water if you have a small pond - things like that," Burton said."The main thing is keeping breeding opportunities away from your home."

The Warren County Road Department is again spraying this year.

David Burton, environmental health supervisor for the Barren River District Health Department, said he expects that most who have had the potential to be exposed will get the vaccine, which is a series of shots over 28 days.

Rabies is transmitted through an infected animal's saliva into a scratch or bite mark, Burton said.

Time is critical in learning if anyone else has had exposure to the kittens.

"You need to build up a resistance to the virus, usually within 10 days (through vaccines)," he said."Incubation period can be anywhere from a few days to more than a year."

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There is one in Tennessee this year, Burton said.

This is Simpson County's first case of rabies for the year.

Elsewhere in the region, there have been three rabid skunks in Warren County, one skunk in Allen County and two skunks in Logan County.

"Rabies can happen any time of the year," he said.

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Domestic animals with the virus have usually contracted it from a wild animal, Burton said.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include:

•loss of appetite

•irritability

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"If someone develops symptoms, it's probably too late," Burton said.

Only six people have been known to survive rabies and they have permanent brain damage, he said.

Franklin police believe they may have located one of the two women who witnesses said dropped the kittens.It has not been determined what if any charges will be filed, according to Sgt.

The health department's Environmental Health Supervisor, David Burton, examined the pond Friday morning, said health department Environmental Health Director Barry Turner.

David Burton, environmental health supervisor for the health department, was cited as saying the health department will be offering five hours of training for $50 at various times and locations over the next 15 months, resulting in a three-year certification.