CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), in coordination with the Charlottesville Police Department, is alerting the public about a confirmed case of rabies in a black cat found in Charlottesville.

On Nov. 4, a black cat exhibiting aggressive behavior was reported along the Rivanna Trail near the Free Bridge (1400 block of Long Street) and in the vicinity of River Road and Belleview Avenue. The cat was captured and submitted for rabies testing, which returned positive results on Wednesday.

Anyone who may have had contact with a black cat in these areas – particularly if they were bitten, scratched, or exposed to the cat’s saliva – on Nov. or 3 or the morning of Nov. 4 is urged to take immediate action. People who believe they were exposed are asked to contact the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 434-972-6219 as soon as possible to assess risk and determine if post-exposure treatment is needed.

Rabies is 100% fatal in humans and animals once symptoms appear. However, it can be prevented if the proper treatment begins immediately after exposure.

There are multiple steps to protect families and pets from exposure to rabies.

Virginia law requires domestic animals to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine lasts for one year for a first-time vaccination and three years for subsequent boosters, provided the pet has a history of being vaccinated.

People should always avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, as well as stray cats and dogs. Feeding or approaching wild or stray animals can encourage them to stay near homes, which increases the risk of exposure.

Outdoor food sources around the home should be eliminated. Outdoor trash is an easy food source for bears, so it should be kept in a bear-resistant container.

Stray or suspicious animals should be reported to the local animal control agency.

Pets should be confined to their owner’s property. If taken for a walk, they should be kept on a leash.

For more information, visit the VDH Rabies Control page or contact the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 434-972-6219.