Health department wary after fox bite

Published 9:49 pm Friday, September 2, 2011

The Escambia County Health Department is warning residents of a possible rabies case after a resident was attacked and bitten by a fox recently.

Casey Grant, senior environmentalist with the Escambia County Health Department, said the exposure occurred in the individual’s backyard during the afternoon hours. Efforts to locate the fox after the exposure were unsuccessful, so officials were unable to test the animal for rabies. Since a positive determination of the presence of rabies cannot be made in the case, the incident is being treated as a suspected case of rabies, he said.

“It is always a cause for concern when a nocturnal animal, such as a raccoon or fox is acting suspicious during daylight hours, especially when the animal is not afraid to approach humans,” Grant said. “Raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks are most often responsible for transmitting the virus to domesticated animals and humans.”

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Public health officials encourage pet owners to be sure their dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against the fatal disease.

“We strongly caution people not to approach stray animals, wildlife and bats,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, state public health veterinarian. “To protect yourself, your family and your pets from exposure to the rabies virus, you should follow these precautions.”

· Avoid domestic and wild animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

· Teach children to stay away from animals that are hurt or unknown to them.

· Instruct children to avoid approaching any wild animal, whether or not it is acting strangely.

· Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.

If you get an animal bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly under running water, immediately seek medical attention from your doctor or a hospital, and report the incident to the Escambia County Health Department for follow-up. Be sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is a disease of all mammals, including man, and is always considered to be fatal unless preventative treatment is given following the bite.