Category: 2022 News Releases

For More Information Contact

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

(Prince George, VA)- A wild, “Ozzy”, brown bat weighing approximately 0.5 lbs. tested positive for rabies in Prince George County. The rabid bat was found flying around a residence on Berkshire Drive, North Prince George, VA 23860 on Thursday, May 12, 2022. If you or your family have animals near Berkshire Drive and are concerned about possible exposure, please call the Prince George Health Department at 804-733-2630. The Prince George Health Department and Prince George County 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 have animals near Berkshire Drive and feel they may have been exposed to the rabid bat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater District Health Departments Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH.

“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 Prince George County Animal Control at 804-991-3200. 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 https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Media Contact: Tara Rose, Public Information Officer, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

(Petersburg, VA.) — In response to an increasing number of individuals seeking testing, the Crater Health District (CHD) is expanding testing efforts across the district. During the month of January, CHD has expanded the number of Community Testing Events and added Antigen Testing Kit Distribution Event sites.

“With the recent surge in hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases across our district, we are providing additional community testing locations and test kit distribution sites to accommodate our residents,” said Dr. Alton Hart, Jr Health Director, Crater Health District. “It is important for people to continue to mask indoors and socially distance during this surge.”

Crater Community Testing Events:

• Call 804-862-8989 to register for testing appointment.  Walk-ups may be accommodated based on testing supplies. Appointments highly encouraged.
• Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis and at no cost to the patient.
• No insurance needed.
• The following testing events will use the three-day PCR test. A rapid test option is not available.

Wednesday, January 12

10 a.m. – noon at 400 Cavalier Square, Hopewell, VA

2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Pathways 1200 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA

Wednesday, January 19

10 a.m. – noon at 709 West Atlantic Street, Emporia, VA

2 p.m. -4 p.m. at 233 S County Drive, Waverly, VA

Wednesday, January 26

10 a.m. – noon at 400 Cavalier Square, Hopewell, VA

2 p.m. -4:30 p.m. at Pathways 1200 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA

Crater Antigen Testing Kit Distribution Events:

• No registration required
• First Come First Serve based on test kit availability
• Test kits are encouraged for those who are currently symptomatic or had an exposure to someone who has tested positive.
• Test kits are available to individuals who live or work in the following cities and counties. See locations and times below.

Tuesday, January 11

10 a.m. -11 a.m. at 1239 Colonial Trail West, Surry, VA

1 p.m. -2 p.m. at 233 S County Drive, Sussex, VA

Wednesday, January 12

1 p.m. -2 p.m. at 400 Cavalier Square, Hopewell, VA

Friday, January 14

10 a.m. -11 a.m. at 13516 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, VA

1 p.m. -2 p.m. at 4951 Mt. Sinai Road, Prince George, VA

Additional testing sites are in the planning stages for January and February. For more information about these events, call (804) 862-8989 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For those still needing a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.