Woman Bitten by Cat with Rabies in Springfield

A Springfield woman is being vaccinated against rabies after she was bit Monday by an indoor/outdoor cat that was in her care, according to Fairfax County Police.

The cat was euthanized and tested for rabies as a precaution following the bite. The rabies test came back positive on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m.

Health department officials evaluated the woman for rabies exposure and recommended that she receive rabies vaccine to prevent rabies.

On July 30, the infected cat’s 10 kittens were signed over to animal control officers, prior to any signs that the cat was ill.

Seven of these kittens were adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter between July 31 and August 6. The remaining three cats were not adopted and were removed from the shelter as soon as the mother cat tested positive for rabies. None of the kittens have exhibited any signs of illness.

The adopters of the seven kittens who were potentially exposed to rabies are being contacted and advised of precautionary measures.

The infected cat, a grey, female tabby, lived on Laurel Oak Court in the Saratoga neighborhood of the Springfield District. While there is minimal public health or safety threat, if you are concerned that you or someone you know may have been bitten or scratched by this cat, please contact animal control at 703-691-2131.

The Animal Shelter reminds residents to make sure their dogs and cats, as well as outdoor cats in their care, have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. To read more about protecting your pets against the rabies virus or to find out about Fairfax County’s reduced cost rabies clinics, visit:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/animal/rabies.htm.

PHOTO: Police lights/Patch archive photo