September 13, 2024<\/p>\n
For More Information Contact:<\/strong> Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease 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\u2019s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, \u201csaid Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.<\/p>\n \u201cRabies is a preventable disease. We encourage all pet owners to vaccinate their animals to protect them and the community,\u201d shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.<\/p>\n The Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:<\/p>\n \u2022 Vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date. 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\/.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":518,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[692,372,545,690,691,34],"class_list":["post-11735","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","tag-alton-hart-jr","tag-crater-health-district","tag-environmental-health","tag-hopewell","tag-hopewell-health-department","tag-rabies"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
\n\u2022 Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
\n\u2022 Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
\n\u2022 Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
\n\u2022 Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.<\/p>\n