Fox Bite Incident Sparks Concern in Raleigh
A seemingly ordinary morning walk took a disturbing turn for one woman when she was bitten by a wild fox that later tested positive for rabies.
Raleigh police received calls on Saturday regarding the incident on Marathon Lane, prompting animal control to respond to the scene.
“It was quite unsettling,” said Cuong Le, whose mother-in-law was the one bitten.
Authorities confirmed that the fox indeed had rabies.
Dr. Tara Harrison from NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine shared with WRAL that anyone bitten by a wild animal should seek medical attention within 24 hours.
“If you get bitten, it’s crucial to head to a doctor. There’s a treatment involving human immunoglobulin that needs to be administered at the bite site, and you’ll also receive the rabies vaccine,” Harrison explained.
Le’s mother-in-law is currently recovering at home. While her physical injuries are healing, worries about rabid wildlife in the area persist.
Harrison advised being cautious around unfamiliar animals.
“If you encounter any animal you don’t recognize, it’s best to walk away. Change your direction, call for help if needed, but do not approach or interact with it,” she noted.
Animal control successfully captured the fox and sent it for testing.
If you notice unusual animal behavior or have concerns about wildlife in Raleigh, you should report it immediately by calling 919-831-6311.
Wake County health officials recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of rabies:
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar animals.
- Ensure pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. It’s advisable to keep outdoor pets inside until they receive any necessary booster shots.
- Refrain from feeding stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs.
- Keep trash and food secured in tightly lidded containers.
- If pets are fed outside, do not leave food out overnight.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately if a pet interacts with a potentially rabid animal.
This incident marks the third reported rabid fox bite this month. Previous cases include a fox bite on Camille Court near Hunting Ridge Road and another incident involving a home inspector in Fayetteville.
