Tag: rabies

Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in Suffolk

October 22, 2026

Media Contact: Joseph Everett, Environmental Health Manager, 757-514-4751

 

Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va.-The Suffolk Health Department is alerting the public that a skunk tested positive for rabies. The skunk was picked up by Suffolk Animal Control in the 1700 block of White Marsh Road. Due to the extent of its symptoms and health condition, the skunk was tested for rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease, but it can be prevented. The most common way people are exposed to rabies is when an infected animal bites or scratches them. The infected animal’s saliva enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane. Prompt evaluation and complete treatment are critical. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies and without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, the disease is fatal in 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in unvaccinated infected domestic dogs and cats. State law requires all dogs and cats older than 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

Angela Tillery, health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly recommends Suffolk residents protect their families and their pets from rabies.

  • If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751.
  • Seek prompt medical treatment for any animal bite to ensure timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
  • Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
  • Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Suffolk Animal Control, or the Suffolk Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
  • Confine your pets to your property.
  • Securely seal garbage containers with lids.

For more information on rabies, contact the Suffolk Health Department at 757-514-4751, Suffolk Animal Control at 757-514-7855, or visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

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Chesapeake Health Department Alerts Deep Creek Residents of Rabid Raccoon

October 21, 2026

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

Chesapeake Health Department Alerts Deep Creek Residents to Rabid Raccoon
Public Urged to Avoid Contact with Wild Animals

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The Chesapeake Health Department has confirmed a case of rabies involving a raccoon. The raccoon was found on Firman Street in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake. The raccoon was observed with visible injuries on Wednesday, October 14. No known human exposures to the raccoon have been reported.

“Although a raccoon may appear healthy, they often carry diseases including rabies,” said acting health department director Jon Richardson. “For safety’s sake, contact a professional animal services provider or animal control if you encounter sick or injured wildlife.”

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Through the third quarter of this year, 127 raccoons, 59 skunks, 36 bats, 32 cats, and 20 foxes tested positive for rabies in the Commonwealth. In Chesapeake, four rabid animals have been reported since the beginning of the year.

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

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.

All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Symptoms may appear as early as a few days or as long as several months after exposure.

Actions you should take to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

  • Be sure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
  • Avoid contact with wild animals or stray animals.
  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
  • Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
  • Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations.

For more information, please contact the Chesapeake Health Department or visit the Virginia Department of Health’s rabies website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s rabies website.

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Rabid Cat Injuries Man near Cypress Landing

October 20, 2026

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

 

Rabid Cat Injuries Man Near Cypress Landing

CHESAPEAKE, Va. –  On October 14, a man sustained facial and hand injuries while attempting to feed a feral cat behind Cypress Landing Apartments, 40 Knells Ridge Blvd., in Chesapeake. Testing confirmed the cat to be rabies-positive. The exposed individual is currently undergoing medical treatment for his injuries.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Wild animals can also spread rabies to unvaccinated feral and domestic pets and livestock. The Virginia Department of Health has seen an increase in positive rabies cases in the Eastern Region this year. If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, call Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.

Rabies illness symptoms in animals include abnormal behavior, difficulty swallowing, poor balance, paralysis, and seizures. Once any mammal becomes ill with rabies, progression to death typically occurs rapidly.

Post-exposure rabies treatment for individuals is given after a potential bite, scratch, or contact with saliva of a rabid animal. Treatment is 100 % effective when started promptly. If left untreated in humans, rabies is 100% fatal.

“We understand that many residents have good intentions when feeding or caring for stray animals, but these interactions can come with health risks including rabies,” said Derek Hunt, environmental health manager. “Even healthy-looking animals can transmit diseases. Direct contact is best left to a professional animal service provider such as Chesapeake Animal Services or a certified animal rescue organization.”

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 touch or capture a stray animal. Report sick or injured animals to Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.
  • Do not feed wildlife or feral animals.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.

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.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page. www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

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Raccoon in Williamsburg Tests Positive for Rabies Virus

October 15, 2026

Media Contacts: Mary Wainwright, Peninsula.EH@vdh.virginia.gov
Tes La Dieu, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon in Williamsburg Tests Positive for Rabies Virus

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The Peninsula Health District would like to notify Williamsburg residents that a raccoon found in the 500 Block of Catesby Lane, in the Middletowne Farms neighborhood, tested positive for the rabies virus.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by an open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Peninsula Health District – Williamsburg/James City County Environmental Health Office at 757-603-4277. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, contact the James City County Animal Control at 757-566-0221.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease that mammals carry. Our local Environmental Health Services office will contact immediate neighbors, as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.

The Peninsula Health 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.
  3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.

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Cat Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in Lancaster County

September 30, 2026
Media Contact: Brenden Rivenbark, Brenden.rivenbark@vdh.virginia.gov

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies Virus in Lancaster County
Anyone Exposed to Cat Advised to Seek Treatment

SALUDA, Va. – A feral cat found on September 25 on Sage Hill Road in Lancaster County has tested positive for the rabies virus. Anyone who handled the cat or has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Lancaster County Health Department at 804-462-9919. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet or other animals and the rabid animal.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia wildlife such as bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks, which can sometimes transmit the virus to domestic animals like dogs and cats. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is fatal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

The Three Rivers Health District would like to remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

•   If your pet and/or livestock has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact your local animal control office.
•   Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
•   Do not approach wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, or skunks. If you think a wild animal needs help, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000 or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
•   Bring stray domestic animals, especially if they appear ill or injured, to the attention of local animal control authorities. If you think a stray animal needs help, contact your local animal control office for guidance.
•   Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies.
•   Confine your pets and livestock to your property.
•   Securely seal garbage containers with lids.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the health department for further recommendations.

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

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Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

September 28, 2026
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) wants to remind you to avoid contact with stray and wild animals, and to get your dogs and cats vaccinated. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Advisory warning of the increase in human exposures to rabid or possibly rabid animals. This Rabies Awareness Week, it is important to highlight what actions can be taken to protect yourself and your pets from this disease.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. In 2025, 332 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had seven animals test positive for rabies so far in 2026.

“Vaccinating your pets against rabies protects both them and you from the virus,” said Jason Weakley, environmental health manager for CSHD. “Keep in mind that wild animals are not vaccinated, and you should always keep your distance from them. Report any animal bites to your local health department. If you think a wild animal needs help, call the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.”

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 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 your local health department office.

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

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Rabies Prevention Tips

September 28, 2026

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Rabies Prevention Tip
World Rabies Day is Sept. 28

RICHMOND, Va. — To protect the health of residents and visitors, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share rabies prevention information and tips.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus lives mainly in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. The virus can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or central nervous system tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth. Transmission can occur with direct contact between a human and a rabid animal, or between a pet and a rabid animal.

Rabies vaccination clinics

Henrico County offers Rabies Vaccination Clincs for domestic animals four times per year. The next clinic takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Western Henrico Government Center (4301 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). Residents with questions about the clinic can call 804-727-8801 (Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

If you, a family member, or a pet are bitten by a wild, stray, or unvaccinated animal,

Steps to prevent the spread of rabies

  • Have a licensed veterinarian vaccinate dogs and cats four months of age and older for rabies, as required by the Code of Virginia.
    • Keep vaccinations current.
  • Not every rabid animal looks sick.
    • Do not feed stray animals.
    • Avoid wild animals and pets you are not familiar with, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.
    • Ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
    • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
    • Teach children to ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not handle sick, injured, or dead animals.
  • Keep wild animals, including bats, out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
  • Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

For more rabies information, visit VDH Rabies Control.

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Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents

September 24, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts Environmental Health Services Benefit All Community Residents
September 26 is World Environmental Health Day

WISE, Va. – At the Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts, health professionals work behind the scenes to protect your health while you do everyday activities like eating at a restaurant, taking a shower, or going for a swim. Environmental health professionals play a crucial role in Virginia public health.

“On World Environmental Health Day, we recognize the essential work that often happens quietly behind the scenes to keep our community safe and healthy,” said Reisa Sloce, Director, Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Environmental health services protect the places where we live, learn, work, and gather—from safe drinking water and food establishments to septic systems, public pools, housing conditions, and disease prevention. In a rural community, these services are especially vital because they help ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, can enjoy a clean, safe, and healthy environment. We are grateful for the dedication of our environmental health professionals and the many partners who work every day to protect the wellbeing of our community.”

Our environmental health staff protect the health of our community in several ways:

Food Safety: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts permit and regulate food establishments, including restaurants, mobile food units, school cafeterias, daycare centers, adult homes, hospital kitchens, and coffee shops. Health inspections ensure food establishments handle, store and prepare food safely. Restaurant inspection reports can be viewed online.

If you suspect that more than one person has become ill after eating a common food, please contact your local health department. You can also visit my MyMealDetective.com to submit a foodborne illness report.

Tourist Establishment Inspections: Your local environmental health team conducts routine inspections to protect against public health risks and promote cleanliness, safety, and compliance with state regulations on all hotels, campgrounds, and summer camps within the district.  Inspections are done annually as well as targeted visits in response to public health complaints.

No operator can legally open or maintain a hotel or tourist lodging facility in the Commonwealth without an active, VDH-issued Tourist Facility Permit.

Water Safety: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts inspect all public pools throughout the summer and all tourist establishment swimming pools annually. Staff issues recreational advisories for harmful algal blooms (HAB) and other water hazards.

If you observe algae while recreating in natural water, please report in on the Virginia Department of Health HAB online reporting form.

Milk Safety Program: Local environmental health milk specialists oversee a permitting and inspection program for local dairy farms producing Grade A Milk and milk products. Under state agreements, VDH and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) divide responsibilities for milk and dairy plant oversight.

Private Wells: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts provide permits and inspections for onsite wastewater and private wells, to include sewage handling and disposal regulations. To apply for a private well permit, please contact your local health department.

Onsite Sewage Disposal: Local environmental health manages onsite sewage disposal systems—such as conventional septic tanks and alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS)—to protect public health and groundwater.  You need a VDH construction permit to install, modify, or repair a septic tank or dispersal drainfield.

VDH recommends having conventional septic systems inspected every three years and pumped out every three to five years. Alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS) require annual inspections by a licensed operator.

Rabies: The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts provide rabies education and control. If you come in contact with a suspected rabid animal, please contact your local animal control office and your local health department.

The environmental health staff also helps after natural disasters, ensuring the public has safe water from wells, healthy foods, and sanitary facilities.

For more information on the services, resources, and educational information available through the environmental health office contact your local health department directly: Buchanan 276-935-4591; Dickenson 276-926-4979; Lee 276-346-2011; Russell 276-889-7621; Scott 276-386-1312; Tazewell 276-988-5585; Wise/Norton 276-328-8000; or visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in James City County 

September 18, 2026

Media Contact: Pride Harper, Community Health Improvement Strategist,
757-594-7411

                         Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in James City County 

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.— The Peninsula Health District would like to notify Williamsburg/James City County residents that a bat, found in the 100 Block of Norman Davis Drive in Toano, has tested positive for the rabies virus.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva through an open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Health Department at Peninsula Health District – Williamsburg/James City County Environmental Health Office, 757-603-4277. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, contact local Animal Control, James City County Animal Control: 757-566-0221

Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease. It is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid 1980’s.  Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowners’ association that serves the community.

The health district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Vaccinate your pets.
  • Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises

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 September 18, 2026  
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm
Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: 757-236-0529

 

Free Rabies Vaccines Offered at “Howloween” Event in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. — Local pet owners can bring their pets to “Howloween,” a community event offering free rabies vaccinations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at 830 Southampton Ave.

The family-friendly event combines pet wellness with Halloween spirit. In addition to free rabies vaccines while supplies last, attendees can enter their pets in a costume contest.

“Rabies prevention is an essential part of protecting both pets and people,” said Norman Grefe, environmental health director. “Howloween is a great opportunity for the community to safeguard their animals’ health while enjoying a festive, seasonal celebration.”

Vaccine requirements:

  • Pets must be at least 12 weeks old.
  • Dogs must be on leashes, and cats must be in carriers.
  • Owners must bring a previous rabies certificate to receive a three-year vaccine. Otherwise, a one-year vaccine will be provided.
  • Vaccines are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early to ensure vaccine availability.

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