A wild cat had contact with a minimum of 5 individuals outside an Ashburn shopping mall, the Loudoun health department reported.
ASHBURN, VA — A wild cat might have exposed a number of individuals to Rabies at an Ashburn shopping mall in recent weeks, the Loudoun County Health Department said.
Health department authorities said a minimum of 5 individuals had contact with the cat recently near the Chick-fil-A and Red Robin on Yukon Drive. The cat was likewise seen at the Shoppes at Ryan Park.
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The wild cat was a brown and gray tabby that was aggressive and had tremblings, authorities said. The cat likewise had 3 kittens, 2 light orange and one dark gray.
“Anyone who might have checked out the shopping mall in between July 31 and August 10, 2023, and entered into contact with the cat or kittens need to call their healthcare supplier or the Loudoun County Health Department,” authorities said in a press release.
Loudoun County Animal Services is now examining the rabies case to see if any other animals might have been exposed to the wild cat.
The rabies infection impacts an animal’s main nerve system. It is usually spread out through the bite of a contaminated animal. The infection can impact all mammals, consisting of human beings.
“Residents are motivated to prevent contact with ignored animals to decrease the danger of bites or illness,” the Loudoun County Health Department said.
If a human does not receive treatment prior to rabies signs start, the infection can be deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Anyone who might have had contact with the wild cat can call the health department by calling 571-233-7317 or emailing [email protected].
Anyone who sees an animal acting oddly or strongly can call Loudoun County Animal Services at 703-777-0406 or 703-777-1021.
