Rabies Alert in Hopewell City, VA

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published February 24th, 2026

Detected March 4th, 2026

Summary

The Virginia Department of Health issued a rabies alert for Hopewell City, VA, following confirmation of a stray cat testing positive for the virus. Residents are urged to ensure pet vaccinations are current and to report any stray animals or potential exposures.

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What changed

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a public health notice regarding a stray cat that tested positive for rabies in Hopewell City, Virginia. The cat was involved in biting and scratching incidents between February 21-22, 2026, near Oaklawn Blvd and Crestline Blvd. The notice serves to alert the community and advise on preventative measures.

Residents in the affected area are strongly advised to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and report any potential exposures or stray animals to local authorities. Those who believe they, their children, or pets may have had contact with the infected cat are instructed to contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office immediately. Rabies is a serious, preventable disease, and prompt medical attention is crucial if bitten.

What to do next

Ensure all pets are vaccinated against rabies and keep vaccinations current.
Avoid contact with wild animals and stray cats.
Report any stray animals or potential rabies exposures to local animal control or health officials immediately.

Source document (simplified)

February 24, 2026

For More Information Contact

Media Contact: Toinette Waldon, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov

Media Contact: RaShel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Stray Black Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Hopewell City

HOPEWELL, Va – The Crater Health District has received confirmation that a stray black cat has tested positive for the rabies virus. The cat was involved in multiple incidents of bites and scratches near the 2400 block of Oaklawn Blvd and Crestline Blvd during February 21 – 22, 2026. The cat is described as a female black cat with missing fur on the top of its head, weighing 6-8lbs. The Hopewell Health Department/Crater Health District and the Hopewell Animal Service Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

Anyone with information regarding this animal’s exposure (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures include direct contact between a child or pet and the rabid animal.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near either the 2400 block of Oaklawn Blvd or Crestline Blvd and think you, your child, or pet(s) had contact with the infected cat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

“Rabies is a preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate care if bitten, “said Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

The Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:

Vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to
Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and
Report stray animals to your local animal control
Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises. Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Crater Health District.

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Hopewell Animal Services Unit at (804) 541-2204. If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit the VDH Rabies webpage.

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Last Updated: February 27, 2026