She Was Feeding Stray Cats When One Bit Her. It Changed Her Life Forever
Summary
A Florida woman, Kennedy Ward, was bitten by a stray cat she was feeding and later found out the cat had rabies. After receiving rabies treatment, Ward had severe allergic reactions due to an underlying rare genetic disorder, leading her to spend 10 months in the hospital.Key Facts
- Kennedy Ward was feeding stray cats and was bitten by one named Baby in February 2023.
- A nearby cat tested positive for rabies, so health officials advised monitoring Baby, who later died showing signs of rabies.
- Rabies is almost always fatal if not treated quickly, but a vaccine after exposure can prevent the disease.
- Ward received rabies post-exposure treatment, including vaccine shots and immune globulin.
- After each vaccine dose, Ward’s throat swelled shut, and she had to be intubated (a breathing tube inserted) multiple times.
- She was in and out of comas and spent a total of 10 months in the hospital.
- Doctors discovered Ward has hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder causing severe swelling and reactions like hers.
- HAE is caused by a problem with a protein called C1 inhibitor and is different from normal allergic reactions.
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