November 15, 2024
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Public Information Officer, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Petersburg
PETERSBURG, Va. — The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a multi-grey domestic short-haired cat, approximately three years old, has tested positive for rabies. The cat was in the vicinity of Leefield Drive in Petersburg. The Petersburg Health Department and Petersburg Animal Control encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Leefield Drive and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.
“Rabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,” said Crater Health District Environmental Health Manager Toinette Waldon.
The Health Department 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 Petersburg Animal Control at (804) 732-3654. 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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November 21, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manager/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Lynchburg
LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Lynchburg Health Department has received confirmation that a black adult cat has tested positive for rabies. The cat was in the vicinity of Taylor Road in the Richland Hills Subdivision. Anyone who may have been exposed to a cat or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Lynchburg Health Department at (434) 477-5921. You may also contact the health department by email at askCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
November 21, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-807-1727
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Report Rabies Case in Raccoon in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) would like to notify community members residing near the vicinity of Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.
Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) observed an aggressive raccoon walking in circles on Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond on November 16. The raccoon was impounded and tested positive for rabies. There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573.
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Do not feed stray animals.
- Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
- Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
- Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.
For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/
October 29, 2024
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts: 757-594-7411
Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Newport News
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Peninsula Health District would like to notify the residents in the vicinity of Yorktown Road and Curtis Drive off Warwick Blvd., that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Peninsula Health District – Newport News Environmental Health Office, (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact local Animal Control, Newport News Animal Control: (757) 595-7387.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid 1980’s. Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.
The district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises
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October 7, 2024
Media Contact: Brenden Rivenbark (804)382-9391
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Essex County, Health Department Urges Caution
Stray Cat Tests Positive for Rabies Near Miller’s Tavern
SALUDA, Va. — The Essex County Health Department has confirmed that a stray cat tested positive for rabies in the Miller’s Tavern area of Essex County near Route 360. Individuals that have contacted an unknown cat or another animal by a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva, should contact their doctor and then notify the Essex County Health Department at (804) 443-3396.
Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. The most common exposure to rabies is a bite by rabid animals but can also be transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal if it makes contact with open wounds, mouth, eyes, or nose. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets up to date with rabies vaccination.
“The Health Department is encouraging all of our residents to ensure that their pets are up to date on rabies vaccination and to stay away from wild and unknown animals, ” said Three Rivers Health District Director Brenden Rivenbark. “If anyone sees an animal acting strangely, please stay away and contact your local health department or animal control.
The Three Rivers Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the rabid cat was found. See additional precautions below.
Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Essex County Health Department for further recommendations.
Please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ for more information about rabies in Virginia.
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October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manager/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County
LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies. The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.
October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County
LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies. The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.
October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County
LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies. The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
-
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.
October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov
Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies. The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.
This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.
Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
- Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
- Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.
September 26, 2024
Media Contact: Jay Duell, 757-514-4751
Isle of Wight Health Department Rabies Investigation for Rabid Cat
ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. – The Isle of Wight Health Department received information today that a stray cat tested positive for rabies. The cat ran up to and jumped on a woman’s pant leg. The health department is following up with the victim to ensure rabies prevention. The incident happened in the Sand Pit Road area of Isle of Wight.
Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as with an animal bite. An animal exposure can be a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.
Western Tidewater Health District Health Director Angela Tillery, MBA, strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for Isle of Wight residents to take in protecting their families and their pets from rabies:
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Isle of Wight Animal Control at (757) 365-6318 or the Isle of Wight Health Department at (757) 279-3078.
- Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
- Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
- Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Isle of Wight Animal Control, or the Isle of Wight Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
- Confine your pets to your property.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.
State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated, against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Isle of Wight Health Department at (757) 279-3078, Isle of Wight Animal Control at (757) 365-6318, or visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
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