Tag: rabies

Rabid Kitten Bites Man in South Norfolk

December 11, 2025

Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Kitten Bites Man in South Norfolk

CHESAPEAKE, Va. –  On December 6, 2025, an employee of a South Norfolk business was bitten by a feral kitten while attempting to render medical assistance. The kitten was discovered in the vicinity of Buell Street several weeks prior to the incident. The employee removed the kitten to his home, where the bite occurred. The kitten is deceased. The employee is currently receiving rabies post-exposure treatment.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive for rabies in Virginia. Wild animals can also spread rabies to unvaccinated feral and domestic pets and livestock.

Rabies illness symptoms include abnormal behavior, difficulty swallowing, poor balance, paralysis, and seizures. Once any mammal becomes ill with rabies, progression to death typically occurs rapidly. If left untreated in humans, rabies is 100% fatal.

“Rabies is entirely preventable, and one bite can change a life,” said Derek D. Hunt, Environmental Health Manager. “Protect yourself, your pets, and your community by keeping animals vaccinated and avoiding contact with wildlife.” Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older to be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not attempt to capture, feed, or domesticate a stray animal. Do not give or accept a stray pet as a gift. Report strays to Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-8181.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home and business by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Chesapeake Health Department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Rabid Cat Reported in Norfolk

October 17, 2025
Media Contact: Norman Grefe, Norfolk Health Department, Environmental Health Manager,
757-683-2824, Norman.Grefe@vdh.virginia.gov 

Rabid Cat Reported in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. –  A cat in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The domestic shorthair cat, described as a free-roaming brown tabby, was reported demonstrating aggressive behavior and picked up on Wellman Street in the Glenrock neighborhood on October 10, 2025. The cat was subsequently euthanized and sent to the Viginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) for testing. It was reported positive for rabies today, October 17, 2025.  If you were bitten or scratched by a cat in this area matching the above description on or before October 10, 2025 please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

It is important to note that all animal bites and scratches should be reported to the local health department.  Rabies is a fatal disease but is preventable if treatment begins early and completed as recommended by a medical provider.  Exposure incidents occurring in the city of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387.  The following precautions are recommended to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

  • Be sure dogs and cats are up to date on vaccinations.
  • Keep pets confined to home and yard.
  • Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
  • Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.
  • Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.
  • Report strays or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
  • Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

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Mount Rogers Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog in Hillsville

September 5, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, brianne.kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Reports Rabies Case in Groundhog in Hillsville

HILLSVILLE, Va. – The Carroll County Health Department is alerting the public to a confirmed case of rabies in a groundhog that was captured on Thursday, September 4, 2025, on Farmers Market Drive by the Southwest Virginia Farmers’ Market near I-77 in Hillsville. The groundhog tested positive for rabies on Friday, September 5, 2025.

The animal reportedly charged a person before being euthanized and submitted for testing. This incident occurred in the same area where a rabid raccoon was identified less than a month ago. This is the seventh rabid animal identified in Carroll County since July 28th underscoring the growing public health concern.

“Rabies can take weeks or even months to develop in an animal after exposure, which is why it’s critical to remain vigilant even after a single case is reported,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Health Director for the Mount Rogers Health District. “We strongly urge the community not to engage with wild animals, as this can increase the risk of exposure and make it harder to identify sick animals. If you see an animal acting strangely, such as stumbling, foaming at the mouth, or showing no fear of people, please contact animal control immediately. And remember: no matter how friendly they seem, do not approach or feed wild animals.”

There may have been additional unknown exposures, as the animal was seen in a public area with high foot traffic. If you have information regarding any potential exposure to this animal through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth please contact the Carroll County Health Department at 276-730-3180. For after-hour exposure concerns, please contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department at 276-728-4146.

To support community prevention efforts, Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter, the Twin County Humane Society, and Carroll Veterinary Clinic are offering free and low-cost rabies vaccination clinics this month.

Free Vaccination Clinics:

Saturday, September 20 at 8 a.m.
Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter
200 Fair Street, Galax, VA
Register by September 15 using this link.

Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Twin County Humane Society
Hillsville Farmers Market (540 Pine Street, Hillsville, VA)
(Note: This is not the location where the rabid animals were found.)

Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics:

Ongoing through September 2025
Carroll Veterinary Clinic
Healthy Trail Lane, Hillsville, VA
Walk-ins welcome before 12:00 p.m. or after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays

Rabies is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted if the animal’s saliva or brain tissue gets into your eyes, mouth, nose, or an open cut. Exposure can also happen if your pet has direct contact with or is seen within close proximity to a rabid animal. All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Symptoms may appear as early as a few days or as late as several months after exposure. Signs of rabies in animals can include:

  • Aggression or lack of fear of humans
  • Excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Staggering or paralysis
  • Seizures
  • Fear of water

Carroll County Health Department reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Do not feed or pet stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at https://dwr.virginia.gov/ or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

Central Virginia Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Kim Foster, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

LYNCHBURG, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. Central Virginia Health District reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Since January 1 of this year, 23 animals have tested positive for rabies in the Central Virginia Health District.

Vaccinating domestic animals, especially cats and dogs, is an important and effective barrier to prevent the transmission of rabies from wild animals to humans. Cats and dogs are more likely than people to have contact with wild animals and, if infected with rabies, could pass the disease along to humans. Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

• Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately.
Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or local health department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact your local animal control of health department office.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

Posted on by lindascarborough

September 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

STAUNTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had 16 animals test positive for rabies so far in 2025.

“Rabies is a fatal disease,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Vaccinating your pets protects them from other animals that might have rabies. Not only does vaccination prevent your pets from getting rabies, it prevents your pets from biting and spreading the virus to humans.”

Virginia law requirecshs all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities by calling 540-332-3842.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Central Shenandoah Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact Staunton Animal Control at 540-332-3842 or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus                                     

September 6, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, (757) 594-7411

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify Poquoson residents that a raccoon found on Jefferson Ct. 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 Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts’ Newport News Environmental Health Office at (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact the local Animal Control at (757) 595-7387.

Rabies is fatal, but preventable. 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.

  1. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons,

skunks or foxes to visit your neighborhood.

 

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The Chesapeake Health Department Rabies Safety and Vax Clinic

September 24, 2025

Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia,gov

The Chesapeake Health Department Rabies Safety and Vax Clinic
World Rabies Day is September 28

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Chesapeake Health Department reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia.

“Rabies is 100% preventable, but only if we act.” says Nicole Yirenkyi, Chesapeake Health Department Rabies Program Supervisor. “Vaccinate, educate, and advocate because every life matters.” Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

The Chesapeake Health Department will host a $10 rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the parking lot.

  • First come, first served.
  • Dogs and cats are welcome.
  • Cash only.
  • Residency is not required.
  • Pets MUST BE in a crate or on a leash.
  • One year and three-year rabies certificates available with current pet vaccination record.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities at Chesapeake Animal Services. 757-382-8181
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Chesapeake Health Department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact animal control or The Chesapeake Health Department.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

September 22, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

 Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

WARRENTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. In The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District we did not have reported Rabies cases this year and the years before.

“Our community’s best defense against rabies is prevention,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director James B. Carr, M.D. “Make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies shots and teach children to avoid unfamiliar animals; these simple steps save lives.”

Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities at: 78 W. Lee St., Warrenton. EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1. After hours responses will be for emergencies only. Non-Emergency (540) 347-3300.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact animal control at 78 W. Lee St., Warrenton. EMERGENCIES DIAL 9-1-1. After hours responses will be for emergencies only. Non-Emergency (540) 347-3300; or www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock-rapidan/office-locations/.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

September 15, 2025

Media Contact: Toinette Waldon, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Dinwiddie County

(Dinwiddie, Va.) The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a bat has tested positive for the rabies virus near Luther Drive, in Church Road (Dinwiddie), VA.  The Dinwiddie Health Department/Crater Health District and Dinwiddie Animal Services 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 also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

 

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Luther Drive and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected bat. 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,” 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.

 

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 Dinwiddie Animal Services Unit 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 the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Three Rivers Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

September 16, 2025
Media Contact: Brenden Rivenbark, Brenden.Rivenbark@vdh.virginia.gov

Three Rivers Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

SALUDA, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Three Rivers Health District reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia.

“By vaccinating our pets and avoiding contact with wild and feral animals, we can drastically reduce the risk of this fatal disease,” says Brenden Rivenbark, Three Rivers Health District Director.

Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Three Rivers Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact animal control or the Three Rivers Health District For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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