CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Health officials are alerting residents in Chesapeake about a fox that has tested positive for the rabies virus.
The fox was found in the Glenleigh and Wickford neighborhoods of the city on November 18. The animal was seen running through the neighborhoods, chasing people, biting signs, and tearing packages apart before being captured by Chesapeake Animal Services.
Rabies is fatal if not caught early, and humans can be infected with rabies when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, like with an animal bite.
Rabies is also fatal to dogs and cats if they haven't been vaccinated.
Chesapeake's Health Director strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for residents to take in protecting their families and their pets from rabies:
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, check for injuries and contact the Chesapeake Animal Control at (757) 382-8672.
- Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
- Do not approach wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, or skunks. If you think a wild animal needs help, call the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
- Bring stray domestic animals, especially if they appear ill or injured, to the attention of local animal control authorities. If you think a stray animal needs help, contact your local animal control office for guidance.
- Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up-to-date. Consult your veterinarian of the Chesapeake Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
- Confine your pets to your property.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.
- State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Chesapeake Health Department at (757) 382-8672 or Animal Control at (757) 382-8080 or log onto the Virginia Department of Health’s website or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
