Crater Health District Reports Rabies Case in a Bat in Hopewell Virginia

September 30, 2026

Media Contact: Toinette Waldon, Toinette.Waldon@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: RaShel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov

Hopewell, Va. – The Crater Health District is notifying community members living near Holly Drive, in Hopewell that, on September 25, 2026, a brown bat has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found inside the bedroom of the resident’s home. The Hopewell Health Department and Hopewell Animal Services Unit encourage animal owners to confirm that all pet vaccinations are current and report any stray animals.

Anyone having information regarding any potential exposure to this animal via a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office, at 804-863-1652. Exposures also include direct contact or observed close proximity between your pet and the rabid animal

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near and think you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected bat. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

“Rabies is a preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals, and seek immediate medical care if bitten,” shares Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.

The Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:

Vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises.

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Crater Health District Health Department.

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, please contact Hopewell Animal Services Unit at (804) 541‑2204, located at 507 Station Street, Hopewell, VA 23860

If you have concerns about exposure to rabies, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For more information on protecting your family from rabies, call 804-863-1652 or visit the VDH Rabies webpage.

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