A rabid fox has turned a quiet stretch near Mayes Road off Sam Furr Road into a public health scare, with officials in both Davidson and Mecklenburg counties confirming Thursday that the animal tested positive for rabies. Two people were identified as having been exposed, and one pet was also exposed, though public health officials said the pet's rabies vaccinations were up to date. Residents are being urged to steer clear of wild animals and to double-check that their pets are current on shots.
What Officials Confirmed
As reported by WFAE, the fox was found near Mayes Road off Sam Furr Road, where laboratory testing later confirmed rabies. County public health officials told the station there were two confirmed human exposures and one pet exposure, and that the pet had an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Davidson County's Earlier Alert
This latest confirmation comes on the heels of rabies activity already reported in Davidson County. In June, the county announced that two unprovoked fox attacks occurred on June 5 in areas about a mile apart. Test results later confirmed a positive rabies case and both bite victims began post-exposure treatment, according to a Davidson County Health Department release. The county also noted that low-cost rabies vaccinations are available at the Davidson County Animal Shelter, 490 Glendale Road in Lexington, for pet owners who need to catch up on shots.
Mecklenburg Reaction And Local Trend
Across the county line, Mecklenburg officials are seeing their own share of rabies activity this year. The county issued a rabies alert last month after a coyote in Huntersville tested positive and exposed a person and a pet, according to a Mecklenburg County news release. Officials continue to remind residents to report sick, aggressive, or strangely behaving wildlife to Animal Care & Control at 311, and to contact Public Health at 704-336-6400 if they believe they or their pet were exposed.
What To Do If You Were Exposed
If you or your pet may have been bitten or scratched, public health guidance is straightforward: wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention without delay. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective when started before symptoms appear, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Human rabies is almost always fatal once clinical signs develop, which is why health departments stress rapid reporting and treatment.
Advice For Pet Owners
Officials are again urging pet owners to keep dogs, cats, and ferrets current on their rabies vaccinations and to avoid leaving unvaccinated puppies or kittens outdoors unsupervised. If you believe a pet has had contact with wildlife, confine the animal and call your veterinarian and Animal Care & Control. The Davidson County Health Department release highlights its low-cost vaccination option at the county shelter for residents who need it.
