Fairfax County Cat Dies of Rabies After June 27 Euthanasia Near 2 Schools

Q: How did a seemingly domestic cat contract rabies, and how many people in the community were unknowingly exposed?

The most likely explanation is that the cat was infected before she was found, probably through a bite or scratch from a rabid wild animal such as a raccoon, fox, skunk or bat. Health officials said she appeared accustomed to people and may have been an owned or house cat, but cats that spend any time outdoors can still be exposed to rabid wildlife. Her lack of a collar or microchip left her earlier movements unknown. How many people were unknowingly exposed is still not known. Fairfax and Loudoun health officials issued a public alert because the cat’s history before June 13 could not be traced, especially during the June 6 to June 16 window when she may have interacted with residents near the Chantilly neighborhood by Hutchison Farm Elementary School and Falcon Academy. What is confirmed is limited. Officials said human exposure after the cat was trapped and taken to rescue care was limited. At least one person is receiving post-exposure treatment, and Loudoun County reported a separate potential exposure at a veterinary facility on June 18 involving affected individuals. Beyond that, authorities have not released a total number of community members who may have had contact. The case underscores that even seemingly healthy, friendly cats can carry rabies before obvious symptoms appear, which is why officials are urging anyone who touched, fed, was scratched by, or was bitten by the cat to contact the health department immediately.

1 articles · Updated · WJLA · Jul 8

A mother cat found in Chantilly with five kittens died of rabies after being euthanized on June 27, Fairfax County officials said.
June 20 marked a sharp turn in her condition: the cat, initially seen as friendly and healthy, became aggressive and then suffered worsening neurological symptoms despite supportive care.
The cat was trapped in a densely populated neighborhood across from Hutchison Farm Elementary School and Falcon Academy, raising concern she may have interacted with people before rescuers contained her.
Health officials urged anyone who may have been exposed to the cat between June 6 and June 16 to contact a local health department immediately; she had no collar or microchip and was likely previously owned.