Rabid fox attacked 3 people near walking trail in North Carolina, officials say
WBTV • • health
Key Points:
- A rabid fox attacked three people near the Kerner Mill Greenway walking trail in Kernersville, North Carolina, on May 14, with the fox later confirmed to have rabies.
- Health officials advise anyone who encountered a fox in the area between May 7-14 to contact their healthcare provider and the Forsyth County Department of Health, and pet owners to notify Forsyth County Animal Services.
- No updates were provided on the condition of the three individuals attacked as of the May 18 news release.
- Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted primarily through bites or scratches from infected animals like foxes, bats, skunks, and raccoons, with symptoms appearing only after the virus reaches the brain.
- Prompt vaccination after potential exposure is crucial, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop; annually, about 100,000 Americans receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations, resulting in fewer than 10 deaths per year.