Tag: Hopewell

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City

January 16, 2026
For More Information Contact: Toinette Waldon, toinette.waldon@vdh.virginia.gov; RaShel Charles, rashel.charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City

HOPEWELL, Va.- The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus near Norton Street in Hopewell, VA.  The Hopewell Health Department/Crater Health District and the Hopewell Animal Service Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

Anyone with information regarding this animal’s exposure (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Norton Street. and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon. 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. Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate care if bitten, “said 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.

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. 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 Crater Health District.

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 the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Crater Health District Lifts Recreational Advisory for Gravelly Run and James River

July 18, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Lifts Recreational Advisory for Gravelly Run and James River
Public Can Resume All Recreational Activities

 

 HOPEWELL, Va. – Effective immediately, Crater Health District is lifting the recreational advisory for Gravelly Run and sections of the James River from the Old City Point Waterfront Park in Hopewell downstream to the Berkley due to a discharge of untreated sewage.

As the sewage moved down river, it diluted and degraded due to flushing, turbid water movement and increased flow resulting from rain events. With the cessation of the discharge on Saturday and the time period that has passed since the recreational advisory was issued, water quality in Gravelly Run and the James River over the extent of the advisory area, is no longer considered a public health threat as a result of the sewage discharge.

This advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution in response to an incident on July 11, during which the Hopewell Water Renewal wastewater treatment plant discharged an estimated million gallons of untreated sewage due to a power failure in a portion of the treatment plant caused by damage to electrical wiring.

The overflow was stopped at approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, after the plant operators set up emergency pumps and generators. The treatment plant returned to normal operations on July 16 after completing repairs to the damaged electrical wiring.

VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.

To stay safe while recreating in natural waters the public should:

  • Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
  • Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock.
  • Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
  • Avoid swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
  • Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
  • If taking fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of viscera and internal organs. Cook filets to proper temperature and clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. Follow posted fish consumption advisories.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies.

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Crater Health District Issues Recreational Swimming Advisory for the Gravelly Run, James River due to a Sewage Discharge

July 12, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, Brookie.Crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Issues Recreational Swimming Advisory for the Gravelly Run, James River due to a Sewage Discharge
Public Advised to Avoid Contact with Contaminated Water from Hopewell Old City Point Waterfront Park on the James River to the Berkley including all of Tar Bay

HOPEWELL, Va. – Effective immediately, the Crater Health District is issuing a recreational swimming advisory for the Gravelly Run  and sections of the James River from the Old City Point Waterfront Park in Hopewell extending downstream to the Berkley to include the entire width of the James River in this identified advisory area, emphasizing avoidance with the shoreline through the extent of the river until further notice. For the safety of people and pets, Crater Health District is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming and wading, be avoided in this area of the waterways.

Crater Health District is issuing a recreational swimming advisory for the Gravely Run Creek and sections of the James River from the Old City Point Waterfront Park in Hopewell extending downstream to the Berkley to include the entire width of the James River in this identified advisory area.This advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution in response to an ongoing discharge of untreated sewage from the City of Hopewell wastewater treatment plant. On July 11, around midnight, a power failure occurred which has resulted in an estimated million gallons of untreated sewage being discharged.

The Crater Health District is advising the public to avoid activities in the advisory area that will result in prolonged contact such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) and prevent pets from swimming. Activities that result in limited contact such wading in the water to launch a boat, kayaking, canoeing, may continue with proper caution.

The City of Hopewell, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and Department of Environmental Quality will continue to monitor this incident to assess any hazard to public health, and the advisory will be continuously evaluated.

VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.

To prevent recreational water illnesses due to sewage release events, people should:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the waterbody of Gravelly Run and its opening to the James River and areas north to Old City Point Waterfront Park south to Berkley Plantation to include the entire width of the James River.
  • Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
  • Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
  • Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
  • Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.

Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies.

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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/.