A rabies scare is underway in the Ashburn area after a rabid cat with several kittens was found wandering around a local shopping center. So far, at least five individuals who came into contact with the cat have been identified — and health officials are looking for others.
The exposures happened over the past week or so in and around the Shoppes at Ryan Park. That’s the Giant-anchored retail center at Ashburn Village Boulevard and Shellhorn Road. The area in question includes the Chick-fil-A and Red Robin restaurants behind the center.
“The rabid cat was a gray/brown tabby with white markings and was demonstrating abnormal aggression and experiencing tremors when it came into contact with people,” according to an health alert from the Loudoun County Health Department. “The cat was seen with three kittens – two light orange and one dark gray with white markings – that were also in the area.”
Anyone who visited the shopping center between July 31 and August 10 and may have came into contact with the cat — pictured at the top of this story — is encouraged to contact their doctor or the health department as soon as possible. You can reach the Loudoun County Health Department at 571-233-7317.
Per county officials: “Rabies is a virus that is spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite or saliva-contaminated scratch. Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with unattended animals to minimize the risk of bites or disease. Seeking evaluation and potential medical care for exposure to animals with rabies as soon as possible is very important because rabies is a fatal disease if treatment is not begun before the start of symptoms.”
In the meantime, Loudoun County Animal Services is investigating the shopping area for any additional animals that may have been exposed to the rabid cat. You are encouraged to report any animals behaving unusually or aggressively to the LCAS.