World Rabies Day is September 28. Rabies is a preventable fatal viral illness, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) investigate and provide case management of rabies exposures, including arranging for testing of wild animals that have potentially exposed humans or domestic animals to rabies. This year through June had been typical for the RCAHD rabies control program, having tested almost 60 animals for rabies, only two of which tested positive for the virus. However, we have now confirmed an additional six positive cases since July (a fox, kitten, raccoon, and three skunks), including four in the last week of August.

Given this apparent increase, we’ve been asked why we are seeing more positive cases of rabies in our area recently. To answer that question, some perspective may be helpful. Although confirming four positive cases in a week is unusual, we are on par for an average year, as seen below in the total number of positive cases in recent years:

• 2023: 10
• 2022: 14
• 2021: 12

Regarding the four most recent cases, the wild animals were tested because they had physical contact with domestic animals. The good news is that the pets involved were all up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccinating your domestic animals not only protects your pets, but vaccinated pets act as a buffer to prevent the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

This cluster of recent cases serves as a reminder of the importance of steps to protect yourself, your family, and your pet from possible exposure to rabies:

• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting strangely. Rabies can present differently in each case: some animals with rabies may appear aggressive, and others may appear abnormally friendly. Others may not have many symptoms at all. Report any sick or unusual-acting wildlife.
• Instruct children to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Do not try to separate two fighting animals. Wear gloves if you handle your pet after a fight.
• Keep family pets indoors at night. Don't leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
• Vaccinate pets and livestock. Virginia law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. Some local organizations offer affordable vaccines in addition to low cost spay and neuter services- contact your local humane society to learn more.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals. Discourage them from seeking food near your home by keeping your property free of stored bird seed or foods that attract wild animals; feeding pets indoors; and tightly capping garbage cans.
• Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch, or garage. Cap your chimney with screens. Bats can be particularly difficult to keep out of buildings because they can get through cracks as small as a pencil. 
• Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to your local health department. If an animal has possibly exposed someone to rabies, try to safely capture the animal. Some species can be observed or tested for rabies to avoid the need for rabies treatment. This includes bats that have skin contact with a person or that are found in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone with mental impairment. Bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain circumstances people can be bitten and not know it.

The good news is that rabies in humans is 100% preventable. We employ a team of environmental health professionals who work with law enforcement, animal control, and clinical staff to help protect our communities. Thanks to their efforts here and across the country, we now see fewer than 10 human cases from rabies per year in the United States. Learn more about rabies from the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control.