February 6, 2025
Media Contact: Toinette Waldon, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov, Tara Rose, TaraRose@vdh.virginia.gov.
Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell
HOPEWELL, Va. – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a cat has tested positive for the rabies virus near Princess Anne Street in Hopewell, VA. The Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Services Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.
Anyone having information regarding exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.
“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Princess Anne Street 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.
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises.
To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact 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 http://www.vdh.virginia.gov or www.cdc.gov/rabies/.