August 8, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Little, Brian.Little@vdh.virginia.gov
Fox Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell
HOPEWELL, Va. — On August 5, a fox entered a yard and fought with a dog, on Franklin Street in Hopewell. The fox was killed. The fox has since tested positive for rabies.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Franklin Street and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected fox, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. “The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies.”
“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” said Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health manager in Crater Health District.
The Crater Health District strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact the Hopewell Animal Control at (804) 541-2222. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
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