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A stray cat that attacked three farm workers along Plank Road in Courtland tested positive for rabies, the health department said in a news release.

The Southampton County Health Department learned about the incident on Thursday, June 9.

“Always report any human contact with a wild animal and always avoid and report strange-acting wildlife to your local Animal Control,” officials said in the news release.       

Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane. 

“An animal exposure can be a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical,” the release said. “Rabies is highly preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure, and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.” 

Dr. Nancy Welch, acting health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, gave the following recommendations for Southampton residents to protect their families and their pets from rabies: 

• If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Southampton County Animal Control at (757) 653-2100 or the Southampton County Health Department at (757) 653-3036.
• Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously. 
• Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs. 
• Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Consult your veterinarian, Southampton County Animal Control or the Southampton County Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations. 
• Confine your pets to your property. 
• Securely seal garbage containers with lids. 

State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Southampton County Health Department at 757-653-3036, Southampton County Animal Control at 757-653-2100 or visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/