Rabid Cat Found In The Park Place Neighborhood

From the City of Norfolk: A cat collected in Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The cat, described as a medium sized stray, black in color with multi-color stripes, was picked up from the 800 block of West 35th Street in the Park Place section of the city. The cat was found dead on June 6, 2019 and had reportedly been exhibiting unusual behavior, including aggression, several days prior. The Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond reported the positive result late on June 11, 2019. If you have been bitten or scratched by a cat in this area matching the above description on or before June 6, 2019, please call the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

It is important to note that, in the event of any exposure, all animal bites and scratches should be reported to the local health department. Rabies is a fatal disease, but is preventable if treatment is begun early and completed as recommended by a medical provider. Exposure incidents occurring in the city of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387.

The following precautions are recommended to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

• Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Keep pets confined to home and yard.
• Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.
• Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.
• Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.
• Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.
• Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.