Fourth Rabies Case Confirmed in Alamance County
Rabid fox attacks victim while working in his yard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2009
Laboratory results from a fox were received late Friday afternoon from the North Carolina Division of Public Health in Raleigh, confirming Alamance Countys fourth case of rabies for 2009.
On Thursday, July 30, a fox attacked an 89-year-old man, while working in his yard. The attack occurred in the vicinity of NC Highway 119 North and Corbett Road, near the Caswell County line. The gentleman was able to shoot the fox and call Alamance County Animal Control. The gentleman received medical treatment and is currently undergoing post-exposure treatment.
According to Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department, a rabies exposure is not exclusively limited to a bite from a potentially rabid animal. A rabies exposure can also include contamination of scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes with the saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from the animal.
Even though this attack was certainly a frightening situation for the individual bitten by the fox, the public should not be afraid to venture outside while enjoying the weather. However, everyone should be aware of their surroundings while working or playing in their yards.
If a person has an exposure, they should immediately wash the wound with warm water and soap, seek medical attention, and call Animal Control or the Health Department, Carroll reiterated.
Fridays lab confirmation marks a milestone in Alamance County, as this is the 100th documented case of rabies. The first documented case of rabies (in an animal other than a bat) since the 1950s, occurred in 1997. So far this year, 299 animals in North Carolina have tested positive for rabies. Of those animals, 61 have been foxes.
In light of this most recent case of rabies, dog and cat owners should continue to be vigilant in keeping their animals current on rabies vaccinations, concluded Carroll.