Fox bite reported in residential area of Fairhope; raccoon bite in hospital parking lot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, D.V.M.
(334) 206-5100 or 1-800-338-8374

A fox attacked an adult resident of a residential area of Fairhope on October 3. After the resident went on her porch to feed her cat, the fox attacked her immediately, and bit her on the calf and thumb. The fox was not caught.

On Thursday, another woman in the parking lot of Thomas Hospital in Fairhope was bitten by a raccoon confirmed to be positive for rabies.

Both women have begun post-exposure rabies treatment that consists of series of injections as prophylactic treatment. Usually, if the animal that bites a person cannot found for rabies testing, the recommendation is for a person to receive treatment to prevent rabies. The treatment includes an immunoglobulin for immediate protection, followed by a series of vaccines over a two-week period.

Environmental Director Greg Dunn, Southwestern District, said, “Foxes have bitten seven people and two dogs in Baldwin County since May 21. This is especially disturbing since these incidents have occurred in densely populated areas.”

The rabies virus is transmitted by saliva. In general, rabies exposure requires direct contact with infected saliva, usually through a bite or a scratch, but other less common contact exposures with mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) are also considered as potential exposures.

State Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Dee W. Jones, said, “Rabies prevention is multifaceted; it involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or the health department.”

Area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.
• Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
• A person who is bitten or scratched by an animal should wash wounds immediately with mild soap and water, apply first aid, and seek medical attention or contact the county health department immediately.

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact the Baldwin County Health Department at (251) 947-3618. You may also call ADPH at 1-800-338-8374 or (334) 206-5100 or visit alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.