A recent increase in rabies cases in the Roanoke Valley has local veterinarians and health officials on high alert.

After four cases of rabies were confirmed in the Roanoke-Alleghany Health District, 10 News is working for you with prevention tips, symptoms to look out for and what to do if you encounter an animal you believe is infected.

A skunk found in Roanoke has tested positive for rabies, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

A health alert has been issued by Roanoke City and Alleghany Health districts notifying residents that a rabid raccoon has been found near Main Street in the Glen Wilton area of Northern Botetourt County, we’re told.

After the Virginia Department of Health confirmed a case of rabies in a kitten, they are urging pet owners to take precautions.

A cat confirmed to have rabies was found in Roanoke County. VDH is asking anyone who may have been exposed to contact their doctor and their local health department.

The Virginia Department of Health reported a cat had tested positive for rabies in Pheasant Run Circle in Southwestern Roanoke County on Tuesday, July 30.

A stray kitten found in Campbell County tested positive for rabies, according to the Central Virginia Health District.

The Virginia Department of Health is issuing a warning after officials said a skunk tested positive for rabies in the Burnham Woods community.

The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts confirmed a skunk recently tested positive for rabies in Salem.

Two foxes found in the same general area of Christiansburg have tested positive for rabies, according to the New River Health District.

Radford officials say a racoon tested positive for rabies, and they want to remind the community of a few preventative measures to take to stay safe.

Rabies has hit the skunk population in the Roanoke Valley. With three cases confirmed, local professionals discuss how to protect yourself and your pets.

A skunk was confirmed positive for rabies in the area of Mountain Pass Road in Troutville Thursday, according to the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts.

On Wednesday afternoon, area officials advised the public near the Walmart on Mount Cross Road to keep their cats contained within their property as they try to gather feral cats that they say could have had contact with the rabid fox.

The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District says at least two individuals were bitten by a fox that tested positive for rabies. A public notice has been sent out for residents in the area of Mount Cross Road and Tyler Avenue in Danville.

Officials are raising rabies concerns after a report in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District.

The United States Department of Agriculture is on a mission to prevent rabies from spreading in Southwest Virginia.

GALAX, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District issued a warning in the Galax area due to a fox that tested positive for rabies. On Wednesday, a gray fox attacked an Animal Control Officer on the 900 block of West Stuart Drive in Galax. The fox recently fought with other animals indicated by hair in its teeth, creating additional disease reservoirs that may become rabid in the following months. Health officials warn that rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. If any person or anyone’s pets have been in contact with the gray fox, you’re asked to contact the Galax Health Department at 276-236-6127.

Someone’s pet was exposed to a rabid raccoon on Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Health. On Friday, a raccoon found in Staunton, Virginia, was submitted for rabies testing after a suspected encounter with a pet. The raccoon tested positive for rabies and while it no longer poses a threat, any person or animal that may have been exposed to the raccoon’s saliva would be considered a potential exposure and should receive medical evaluation. Rabies is deadly to animals and humans once symptoms begin, but can be prevented in humans if they receive vaccine and medication soon after exposure. VDH has this advice to help prevent the spread of rabies: