2 bitten by fox in Chapel Hill
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- Two people were bitten by a fox in Chapel Hill, Orange County, near Erwin Road on Friday, prompting Animal Control to search for and safely capture the animal.
- It is unclear how serious the victims' injuries are or if the fox is rabid; residents are urged to report any aggressive or unusual fox behavior to Animal Control via 911.
- Rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted through saliva, commonly found in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, with symptoms including aggression, staggering, foaming at the mouth, and disorientation.
- The county advises caution around wildlife and unfamiliar animals, emphasizing that seeing wild animals during the day does not necessarily indicate rabies but people should avoid approaching them.
- In cases of potential rabies exposure, health officials assess the risk for humans and pets, with protocols including post-exposure prophylaxis for people and vaccination or quarantine measures for pets.