Health Warning: Rabies Case Confirmed in County

Health officials are warning Spotsylvania County residents to keep their pets vaccinated against rabies after a stray cat that bit a person tested positive for the deadly nerve disease.

The cat was picked up near a gas station in the 11000 block of Leavells Road in Spotsylvania County on June 17.

The Health Department is notifying the public in case anyone – or any pets – may have had contact on or shortly before June 17 with the stray cat near Leavells Road or Salem Church Road.

The rabid cat is described as a male, orange tabby cat about 1½ years old.

If there has been any contact/exposure between humans and/or domestic animals with this cat or any wild or domestic animal behaving abnormally, you should report this to Spotsylvania Animal Control at 540-582-7115 and the Spotsylvania Health Department at 540-507-7386.

On the weekend or after hours, call the Virginia Department of Health 24-hour answering service at 866-531-3068 and ask for the staff member on call for the Rappahannock Area Health District/Spotsylvania County Health Department.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in animals through vaccinations, but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated. Exposure to rabies is considered any time there is a bite or scratch.

To prevent the spread of rabies:

• Avoid contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
• Report unusual acting animals.
• Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets and keep their vaccinations current.
• Call your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, or call your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed.

Virginia law requires dog and cat owners to keep the rabies vaccinations up-to-date for animals four months and older.

Officials also urge residents should not approach or touch wild animals or unknown domestic animals, and should report any abnormal behavior involving these animals. All animal bites and rabies exposures (from both wild and domestic animals) must be reported to Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-582-7115.