Nine Hanover residents exposed to rabid kitten

Nine Hanover County residents are among 17 people in three states getting rabies shots after being exposed to a rabid kitten.

One of the victims picked up the stray kitten on state Route 13 and took it to a family gathering in Delaware. When the resident returned to Hanover, the kitten became ill and later tested positive for rabies.

The Chickahominy Health District is working with three other states to provide treatment for the 17 people exposed to the kitten.

"Although we understand people want to help animals, there is no definite way to tell an animal has rabies just by observing it and its behavior," said Dr. Brooke Rossheim, Chickahominy Health District acting director.

"While the intentions were good, there can be significant consequences," said Rossheim.