Rabid fox charges Chatham County woman, no one bitten or scratched
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- A fox in Chatham County tested positive for rabies after charging at a woman in Siler City; no one was bitten or scratched during the encounter.
- The woman restrained the fox until firefighters and deputies arrived; the fox was euthanized and tested for rabies.
- The Chatham County Public Health Department is evaluating the woman and two firefighters for potential rabies exposure to determine if preventive treatment is necessary.
- Officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies, as required by North Carolina law, to reduce the risk of transmission from wildlife to domestic animals and humans.
- Residents are advised to avoid contact with wildlife, report unusual animal behavior, keep pets supervised and vaccinated, and seek immediate medical advice if exposed to a potentially rabid animal.