NORFOLK, VA – A raccoon and a cat collected in Norfolk have tested positive for rabies. The first incident involved a raccoon that was killed by two dogs on January 21, 2018 in the 1600 block of Holland Ave. In the second incident, occurring on January 22, 2018, a stray cat scratched a dog in the 3000 block of Racine Ave. Both animals were sent for testing to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA and were reported positive late on January 24, 2018. There were no known human exposures in either incident and the three dogs involved are current on their rabies vaccinations. If you have recently been bitten or scratched by a raccoon or brown stray cat in this area, please contact Norfolk 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 local health departments. “Rabies is a deadly virus and area residents are reminded to keep pets up-to-date on their vaccinations,” said Norman Grefe, Environmental Health Manager, Sr. 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 Health Department at 757-683-2712.
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.