BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Officials at Brunswick County Health Services reported a local fox connected to an individual attack has tested positive for rabies.
The individual is receiving all necessary rabies vaccinations following the incident, according to a county press release.
“The fox was captured and put down,” the county reported. Thereafter, it was sent off for testing.
Anyone scratched or bitten by a rabid animal should immediately seek medical assistance, the health department advises. Fatalities associated with rabies occur when failing to do so.
Public health and animal protective services through the sheriff’s office are investigating and advise the public to follow safety tips and remain proactive to keep themselves and their pets protected from rabid animals.
For humans bitten or scratched:
- Clean the wound well with soap and running water for 15 minutes and contact your doctor. The doctor will determine if a series of rabies vaccinations will be needed.
- Note the location and a description of the animal to provide to animal control.
- Do not try to catch any wild animal that bites or scratches you. Call animal control immediately to capture the animal for rabies testing.
- If the animal is someone’s pet, get the owner’s name and address and provide them to the animal control officer. Any mammal can transmit rabies. The animal that bit you, depending on the species and circumstances, must be evaluated or tested for rabies.
For protection of pets:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current. North Carolina rabies law requires that all owned dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age.
- Supervise pets outdoors, and keep all pets on a leash.
- Do not feed pets outdoors. Pet food attracts wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife, feral cats or feral dogs.
- Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.
- Leave young wildlife alone. If you find a juvenile animal that appears to need help, it is best to leave it alone and call a wildlife professional.
More information in regards to feeding or rescuing wildlife can be found here.
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