Atmore woman attacked by rabid fox while unloading groceries

The Alabama Department of Health issued a warning to the public after a woman was bitten by a rabid fox.

The woman was unloading her groceries in Atmore when the fox appeared out of nowhere and attacked her, officials said. The fox was captured and tested positive for rabies.

“Although rabies has been primarily found in wildlife since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, state veterinarian health officer. “While attacks like this one by rabid wildlife are rare, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”

The ADPH said the woman was elderly and was being treated for exposure.

All dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies starting at 12 weeks of age. Authorities explain that the law exists because pets often come into contact with rabid wild animals.

In addition to vaccination, residents of the region are advised to take the following precautions to prevent possible rabies infection:

• Do not let pets roam freely; keep them in a fenced area or on a leash.

• Do not leave uneaten pet food or food scraps near your home.

• Do not feed wild animals or keep them illegally as pets.

• Do not approach any wild or domestic animals that are behaving strangely or unusually.

• Warning: Children should not approach any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

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