Atmore resident bitten by rabid fox

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, a resident of Atmore was bitten by a fox after returning home from the grocery store.

The woman was unloading her vehicle when the fox attacked her. The fox was captured and taken to the Alabama Department of Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories where it was confirmed positive for rabies. The woman has received treatment from the accident and post-exposure prophylaxis.

“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, said. “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues poses and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”

It is common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with rabid animals. Alabama requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks of age or older to have a rabies vaccination. The ADPH says that vaccinating animals will reduce risk of rabies infection, protecting the animals, owners, and caretakers.

For more information, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html

Here are some precautions to take to avoid possible rabies exposure:

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.