ADPH sharing how to protect yourself and your pets after rabid fox bites South Alabama woman

ESCAMBIA Co., Ala. (WBRC) – A woman from Atmore in south Alabama is recovering after a rabid fox bit her.

The Alabama Department of Public Health says she was unloading groceries from her car when it happened. The health department tested the animal and confirmed it was positive for rabies.

Fortunately for the woman, they caught it early. The State Public Health Veterinarian says if left untreated, the virus can eventually get to your brain and become fatal.

Dr. Dee Jones says though a rabid fox attack in Alabama is uncommon, the disease continues to be a public health threat.

In our state, rabies is more prevalent in raccoons and bats which can spread to our pets, or even us, with just one bite.

Dr. Jones says this is why it’s important to follow state law and keep your dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date with the rabies vaccine.

“Just to highlight an issue: Some people say, ‘Well, my cat never goes out. My cat never leaves the house, why should I have to give him a rabies vaccine?’ We have reports of bats coming into the houses all the time. So regardless of where you live, your animals are still subject to being exposed to a potentially rabid animal.”

Besides vaccinations, ADPH recommends to keep your animals on a leash or in a fenced in area, avoid leaving uneaten pet food or scraps outside, and don’t keep wildlife as pets.

If you are bitten by an animal, Dr. Jones says you need to seek medical attention immediately.

The health department is required to then investigate further to determine whether or not it was rabid. Dr. Jones says they investigate 6,000-7,000 animal bites a year.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.