Virginia Beach residents are becoming increasingly concerned about rabies after another case was diagnosed last week.

The State Health Department says sixteen animals have tested positive for rabies in Virginia Beach since January. In all of last year the city had 17.

The 16th case was reported on Friday when a raccoon tested positive for the disease.

Valerie Thompson of the Virginia Beach Public Health Department says everyone, even non pet-owners, should take precaution. As recent as Monday morning, a woman called afraid that she may have been bitten by a rabid kitten.

“An individual who saw kitten, at a vacant piece of property,” said Thompson. “And then it scratched her and bit her and took off."

The number of rabies cases in Virginia Beach is already at 16, and Thompson is worried that number will go up significantly.

Dr. Sean Back at Beach Pet Hospital has is additional concern this year.

“Since July 1st, state law is we transfer rabies vaccination information to the city where the hospital is located,” said Back.

Dr. Back thinks the new requirement might hinder people from coming to the hospital.

“I think that's the concern,” Back said. “Some people feel that info may be used against them."

Dr. Back says the city has assured him that your dog's information is not for public access, that the purpose of the new law is to make sure people are registering their pets with the city.