THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 10, 1995 TAG: 9511100451
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
A stray cat that bit and scratched an 8-year-old boy and a pet cat in the southeast part of the city Nov. 4 has tested positive for rabies.
Nancy Welch, director of the Chesapeake Health Department, said a subsequent investigation determined that three other children and two adults may have been exposed to the rabies virus and are undergoing treatment. A pet dog that was also scratched by the rabid cat is under quarantine.
This is the 10th confirmed rabies case in Chesapeake since 1988, Welch said. The other cases involved two cats, a bat and seven raccoons.
Fliers being distributed in the area around Sanderson Road advise that any resident who believes he or she might have been exposed to the rabid cat contact the city Health Department or the Animal Control Bureau.
Other precautions being recommended are the following:
Keep pets confined to home or yard.
Be sure dogs and cats are up to date on vaccinations.
Do not handle or touch stray animals or wildlife.
Warn children to report any animal bites or scratches.
Report stray or unvaccinated animals. by CNB