Fox News – An Alabama woman was bitten by a rabid fox recently as she unloaded groceries from her car, according to local reports.
The Atmore woman, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly holding a loaf of bread when “seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox,” according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
The woman, described as “older,” received post-exposure treatment to help prevent rabies infection.
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was tested and confirmed positive for rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated before emergence of symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is typically spread to people or pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama’s public health veterinarian, in the release.
“Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
Owners of dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older are legally required to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccination in the state of Alabama …
