Tag: rabies

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell

September 13, 2024

For More Information Contact: Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell

HOPEWELL, Va. – On September 10, a stray tabby cat (black, gray, brown) approximately 5 months old was found near a home on Stonewall Ave. in Hopewell. The cat bit someone and has since tested positive for rabies. Upon investigation, this is within a one-mile radius where a rabid fox was discovered on 8/8/24. The Environmental Health and Animal Control teams are canvassing the area where the animals were found. The Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Services 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 Stonewall Ave. 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,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

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 Hopewell Animal Services Unit at 804-541-2204. 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/.

Rabid Fox Notification in Williamsburg, James City County

August 22, 2024
Media Contact:  Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, 757-594-7411 or taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Fox Notification in Williamsburg, James City County

HAMPTON, Va. — The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify Williamsburg/James City County residents that a red fox involved in an incident in the 100 block of Reflection Drive, in Mirror Lake Estates, 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 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:

Hampton   757-727-6111

Newport News/Poquoson   757-595-7387

Williamsburg/JCC   757-565-0370 (daytime); 757-253-1800 (evenings, weekends, holidays)

York County   757-890-3601

Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease 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:

  1. Vaccinate your pets.
  2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.

# # #

Fox Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell

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/.

###

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

Posted on by lindascarborough

August 6, 2024
Media Contact: Brian Stanley, Environmental Health Manager, 276-415-3370

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

BUCHANAN Co., Va. – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:

  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
  • If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
  • Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
  • Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
  • Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
  • If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
  • Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.

Cat Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Mechanicsville

July 23, 2024
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Public Information Officer: 804-382-6592

Cat Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Mechanicsville

HANOVER, Va. — The Chickahominy Health District would like to notify the residents in the area of Meadowbridge Road near Ellerson Farm Drive, Franklin Lane, and Ellerson Station Drive in Mechanicsville that a white/grey cat has tested positive for the rabies virus. The cat no longer poses a threat to the public.

Anyone having information regarding exposure to this animal in the days leading up to July 19,  (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Hanover Health Department at (804) 365-4313. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact the Hanover County Animal Control at (804) 365-6140.

Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease carried by mammals that is endemic to the area.

The Chickahominy Health District would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:

  1. Vaccinate your pets.
  2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local
    health department.
  3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons,
    skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.

# # #

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

June 21, 2024
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

DINWIDDIE, Va. – On June 15, a stray calico cat (brown, orange, and black with white spots) visited a home near Carolyn Drive in Sutherland and scratched a victim.  Upon investigation, several neighbors along the rural road have also been identified as being scratched. In addition, it was discovered that the cat also had kittens. The cat has since tested positive for rabies.

The Dinwiddie Health Department and Dinwiddie Animal Control continue to encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations, especially rabies, are current.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Carolyn Drive and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected cat,” 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,” said Toinette Waldon, environmental health manager for the Crater Health District. “We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community.”

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 Dinwiddie Animal Control at 804-469-4547. 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/.

###

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Emporia

May 23, 2024
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Emporia

Emporia, Va. – On May 20, a raccoon entered a domestic dog’s pen on Chambliss Road in Emporia. The dog killed the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Chambliss Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon,” 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,” said Toinette Waldon, environmental health manager for Crater Health District. “We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community.”

The 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 Emporia Animal Control at (434) 634-2121. 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/.

###

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

May 17, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, MHA, 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 stray kitten, about 8 weeks of age, has tested positive for rabies. The kitten was found in the vicinity of Park Street and Lola Avenue in Altavista. Anyone who may have been exposed to a stray cat 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. 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.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Sussex County

May 21, 2024
Media Contact: Julie Thacker, Julie.Thacker@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Sussex County

Sussex, Va. – On May 12, a raccoon was discovered on a property on Longevity Road in Stoney Creek. A domestic dog protected its owners from the raccoon. The raccoon has since tested positive for rabies.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Longevity Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon,” 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,” said Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District. “We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community.

The 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 Sussex Animal Control at (804) 898-5371. 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/.

###

Piedmont Health District Advises of Rabies Detected Among Feral Cat Colony

April 26, 2024
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Piedmont Health District Advises of Rabies Detected Among Feral Cat Colony

RANDOLPH, Va. – The Piedmont Health District is advising the public residing or visiting the area near Scuffletown Road and Harrisburg Road to keep themselves and their domestic pets safe as efforts are being taken to corral a group of feral cats where one cat has tested positive for rabies.

On April 23, multiple community members were exposed to the rabid cat. All individuals have been referred to the appropriate medical professionals for treatment.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Any person or family pet bitten or scratched by an animal should be reported to the local health department in order to determine any risk of rabies exposure and to receive recommendations for medical care.

The Piedmont Health District encourages everyone to vaccinate their pets, to protect them, family members, loved ones and the community at large from rabies. Virginia law requires domestic animals to be vaccinated against rabies.

In addition to keeping pets vaccinated and keeping vaccinations current, take these steps to protect families and pets from exposure to rabies:

  • Avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons and skunks, 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; and
  • Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.

For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Piedmont Health District (434) 392-8187, ext. 137.

# # #