Rabid fox attacks, bites Atmore woman, health officials say
ATMORE, Ala. (WKRG) — Officials with the Alabama Department of Public Health are speaking out after they say an Atmore woman was bitten by a fox with rabies.
The woman received treatment and medical attention following the exposure, News 5 has learned.
Now, officials encourage other residents to take precautions to protect themselves since, they said, “Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated.”
Here are some tips to follow, according to ADPH:
Do not allow pets to run loose. ADPH recommends that people confine their pets 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 act strangely
Advise children to stay away from any stray or wild animal
“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.
Dr. Jones continued, “Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
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For more information, visit the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website.
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