Health officials in Alexandria, Virginia, have issued a rabies alert after a fox in the Del Ray\u2013Rosemont area tested positive for the virus.<\/p>\n
Health officials in Alexandria, Virginia, have issued a rabies alert after a fox in the Del Ray\u2013Rosemont area tested positive for the virus.\n<\/p>\n
The fox apparently had contact with a domestic cat near a home Tuesday. The Alexandria Health Department said the fox is now dead.<\/p>\n
The health department said it is working with the cat\u2019s owner on \u201csafe next steps,\u201d but there is \u201can increased risk of rabies exposures in the community,\u201d according to a news release<\/a>.<\/p>\n The health department is urging residents not to approach wild or stray animals, and to make sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.<\/p>\n Rabies can be deadly, and is easily spread through bites or scratches, the health department said.<\/p>\n Symptoms of rabies in animals include aggression, excessive drooling, and odd behavior, according to the news release.<\/p>\n Anyone who has seen animals having symptoms of rabies is asked to call Alexandria Animal Control at 703-746-4444. If you or your family members were exposed, contact the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4910 during their business hours.<\/p>\n