March 12, 2026

Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabid Raccoon Discovered in East Great Bridge

CHESAPEAKE, Va. –  On March 4, 2026, a resident on Fordsmere Road in the Woodards Mill neighborhood of Chesapeake discovered a juvenile raccoon in the vicinity. The resident reported the raccoon to a local animal rescue organization. The raccoon was subsequently captured and transported to a local veterinarian. Testing confirmed the raccoon to be rabies positive. No animal or human encounters have been reported.

Rabies is commonly found in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. Wild animals can also spread rabies to unvaccinated feral and domestic pets and livestock.

Rabies illness symptoms include abnormal behavior, difficulty swallowing, poor balance, paralysis and seizures. Once any mammal becomes ill with rabies, progression to death typically occurs rapidly. If left untreated in humans, rabies is 100% fatal.

“Rabies is entirely preventable and one bite can change a life.” said Derek D. Hunt, Environmental Health Manager. “Protect yourself, your pets, and your community by keeping animals vaccinated and avoiding contact with wildlife.” Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

• Do not attempt to capture or feed a stray animal. Report strays to Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators is another option.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Keep wild animals out of your home and business by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Chesapeake Health Department for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, Chesapeake Non-Emergency Dispatch. 757-382-6161.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

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Last Updated: March 12, 2026