(SALUDA, Va.)— The Essex County Health Department has confirmed that a stray cat tested positive for rabies in the Miller’s Tavern area of Essex County near Route 360. Individuals that have contacted an unknown cat or another animal by a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva, should contact their doctor and then notify the Essex County Health Department at (804) 443-3396.

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. The most common exposure to rabies is a bite by rabid animals but can also be transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal if it makes contact with open wounds, mouth, eyes, or nose. Pet owners are advised to keep their pets up to date with rabies vaccination.

“The Health Department is encouraging all of our residents to ensure that their pets are up to date on rabies vaccination and to stay away from wild and unknown animals, ” said Three Rivers Health District Director Brenden Rivenbark. “If anyone sees an animal acting strangely, please stay away and contact your local health department or animal control.

The Three Rivers Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the rabid cat was found. See additional precautions below.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Essex County Health Department for further recommendations.

Please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ for more information about rabies in Virginia.