Rabid Cat Attacks Man Near Franconia Metro Station

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Health officials are trying to find anyone who may have come into contact with a rabid cat prior before it attacked a man Sunday morning near the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

Around 8 a.m., the man was walking along the Long Branch trail, about a quarter-mile from the metro station, when he was scratched by the cat, according to Fairfax County Police.

"The cat was extremely aggressive and died during the attack," according to a police statement. "The cat was tested for the rabies virus on Monday, June 6 and the results came back positive for rabies. The victim is undergoing preventative treatment for exposure to rabies."

The cat may have been in contact with other people or pets while it was infected. The cat is described as a domestic shorthair, with a black and brown tortoise shell coat pattern and a clouded left eye. It is an adult female estimated to weigh up to 15 pounds.

From the Fairfax County Health Department:

If you had direct contact with the cat between May 27 and June 5, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department’s Rabies Coordinator at 571-274-2296, TTY 711.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can infect both people and animals. People usually get rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an animal that is sick with the disease. Protect yourself and your family from rabies: stay away from wild animals and be sure pets are vaccinated against rabies every year.

If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention right away. In Fairfax County, residents should also immediately report animal bites, as well as sick or injured animals, to Animal Control Services at 703-691-2131, TTY 711.

More information on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips, and what to do if an animal bites, is available: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/rabies/.