ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. — The health department in Isle of Wight is again warning the community about a rabid animal in the community.
According to officials, a stray cat ran up to a woman and jumped on her pant leg in the Sand Pit Road area of Isle of Wight.
The health department is following up with the victim to ensure she receives the proper rabies prevention resources.
Just yesterday, the Isle of Wight Health Department alerted the community about a raccoon in the Days Point Road area that had been killed by a dog. The dog had been vaccinated against rabies but is under a 45-day observation to ensure no positive tests.
Rabies is a disease that is nearly 100% fatal if left untreated. However, with a vaccine, rabies is highly preventable as long as it is given early.
"Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as with an animal bite," the health department advised.
As with the raccoon case, Angela Tillery, the health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, shared several recommendations to best protect people and pets from rabies exposure:
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Isle of Wight Animal Control at (757) 365-6318 or the Isle of Wight Health Department at (757) 279-3078.
- Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
- Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
- Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Consult your veterinarian, Isle of Wight Animal Control, or the Isle of Wight Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
- Confine your pets to your property.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.