Rabies Alert Issued After Infected Kitten Found Near Poplar Ford Park

CENTREVILLE, VA – The Fairfax County Health Department is asking anyone who encountered an orange tabby kitten near Poplar Ford Park in May to contact them, as the kitten has tested positive for rabies.

According to the Fairfax County Health Department, rabies was confirmed in a male domestic shorthair orange tabby kitten found near the entrance of Poplar Ford Park on Bull Run Post Office Road. They warn that the kitten might have had contact with people or pets while it was sick, during the period of May 12 to 15.

Fairfax authorities ask anyone who thinks they, their pets or someone they know might have been bitten, scratched or even just touched by this kitten to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at (703) 246-2433, TTY 711.

They note that the kitten has been captured, but county officials want to identify any other potential exposures.

Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus that can infect wild animals, domestic animals and humans. The rabies virus is found in the saliva, brain and spinal tissue of an infected animal and can be transmitted through scratches or bites. So far in 2026, 13 animals have been diagnosed with rabies in Fairfax County.

The county notes that animals with rabies may act normally during the early stages of the disease, making it difficult to know if the animal is infected. They caution residents to stay away from wild animals; keep pets’ rabies vaccinations updated; keep pets leashed or otherwise attended when outdoors; report any animal bites; and report any animals acting strangely or fights between wild and domestic animals to the Fairfax County Department of Animal Services at (703) 691-2131, TTY 711.

If you or a pet is bitten by an animal that might have rabies, authorities say to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention right away. When vaccinations are provided in time and appropriately, rabies is very preventable. If not treated, rabies is 100 percent fatal.

Read more from the Fairfax County Health Department here.