WCBC

July 24th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Two individuals are now receiving post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies after coming into direct contact with a fox in Cresaptown on Wednesday.  The animal was later found dead and has since tested positive for rabies, the Allegany County Health Department reported.  Anyone who believes that they may have come into contact with the fox or with any other potentially rabid animal should immediately seek medical attention and contact the health department at 301-759-5040 to report the possible exposure. 

 

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.  In Maryland, it is found most often in raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats, bats, and groundhogs. Other mammals, including dogs and farm animals, can also get rabies.  Animals with rabies can spread it through their saliva, most commonly through animal-to-animal or animal-to-human bite.

 

The health department wants to remind the public that you should never approach or try to touch a wild animal or any animal which is showing signs of illness or behaving in an unnatural way.  If you are bitten by a potentially rabid animal you should seek medical attention immediately and be vaccinated to prevent infection.  Symptoms of rabies infection include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis and mental confusion.  Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal.