WILLIAMSBURG — The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts notified Williamsburg residents on Friday that a bat found on Aug. 11 had tested positive for the rabies virus.
The bat, found in the 100 block of Oxford Circle, was involved in an exposure with a cat. At this time there are no other known exposures.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal, including a bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth, is asked to contact the Environmental Health Office of the Hampton and Peninsula Health Department at 757-603-4277. Exposures also include direct contact between a pet and the rabid animal. After hours, contact James City County Animal Control at 757-565-0370.
The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts warns that rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid-1980’s.
The local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.
The District reminds all citizens to follow these four important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance — don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons,
skunks or foxes to visit your premises. - Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.
