Black cat linked to bites, scratches in Hopewell tests positive for rabies

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- A stray black cat linked to multiple bites and scratches in Hopewell has tested positive for rabies, per state health officials.

The Crater Health District of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is warning that a rabid cat was "involved in multiple incidents of bites and scratches" near the 2400 block of Oaklawn Boulevard and Crestline Boulevard between Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, according to a Feb. 24 press release.

The stray cat was described as a 6-to-8-pound female black cat with a patch of missing fur on the top of its head.

If you believe you, a family member or a pet may have been exposed to this animal -- whether that's a bite or a scratch, or contact with its saliva in an open wound or in your eyes, nose or mouth -- you are asked to contact the Crater Health District's Environmental Health Office at 804-863-1652.

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Whether or not you believe you've been exposed, if you live in this area, you are encouraged to confirm that all of your pets' vaccinations are current and to report any stray animals you see.

"Rabies is a preventable disease," said the health district's environmental health manager, Toinette Waldon, in the release. "Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals and seek immediate care if bitten."

Here's a few tips on how to protect yourself, your family and your pets from rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep those vaccines current
• Avoid contact with stray cats or dogs, or any wild animals
• Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
• Don't feed strays or wild animals and don't encourage them to visit your property

Rabies can be deadly if not properly treated. For more information, click here.