PAGE COUNTY, Va. – The Lord Fairfax Health District of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported that a cat in Stanley recently tested positive for rabies.

According to a media release, a black long-hair female adult cat attacked two individuals at the Bosley Trailer Park on Bosley Drive.

After showing signs of neurological issues, the cat was tested for rabies. A positive test result was received on November 22, 2024.

Anyone who has had contact with any stray cats or kittens in the area of the trailer park is urged to contact the local health department at (540) 743-6528 or the district’s after-hours number 540-665-8611.

According to the media statement:

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes, or nose.

The health department further advises:

Avoid stray cats and dogs. Feral or unknown cats and dogs may also carry rabies; feral cats are especially high-risk. Report bites or scratches from these animals to your physician or the health department right away.

Never approach or touch wild animals, especially any raccoon, fox, skunk or bat, especially if it is behaving oddly or if it is seen in the daylight. These animals are the main carriers of rabies in the eastern United States.

Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies (even if they don’t go outdoors) and keep their shots up to date. Vaccinate working barn cats as well, for their protection and yours. Discuss vaccinating livestock with your veterinarian.

Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs. Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.

Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.

If one of your domestic animals is bitten or otherwise interacts with a wild animal, notify the local health department and animal control at once, and have your animal seen by a veterinarian.

If you are bitten, scratched, or licked by any of these high-risk animals, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor, or the health department for further recommendations immediately.

Rabies is fatal to both animals and humans once symptoms begin, but can be prevented in humans if vaccines and medicines are administered soon after exposure.

The Lord Fairfax Health District serves residents of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren counties.