A rabid fox that bit a man on Tuesday in Wake County tested positive for rabies on Wednesday.
According to a release from the county, Animal Control responded to an animal attack in a neighborhood near the corner of Pulley Town Road and Thornburg Drive in Wake Forest. Animal Control officers later captured the fox and tested it for rabies.
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The county said that the fox didn’t bite anyone else. The county added that Animal Control would canvas the neighborhood and see if any neighbors need their pets vaccinated, and asked anyone who may have encountered the fox to call the Wake County Communicable Disease line at 919-250-4462.
This is the fourth rabies bite incident in Wake County this month. Three different animals, including two foxes, had previously attacked people in Raleigh. In Fayetteville, a fox attacked a home inspector.
Wake County health leaders provide the following general tips to help minimize rabies risk:
- Residents should not approach animals that they do not know.
- Residents should ensure their pets have a current rabies vaccination. If a pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is recommended. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines.
- Do not feed stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs.
- Do not leave trash or food outside unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
- If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight.
- If a pet comes in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact a veterinarian immediately.