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According to the Alexandria Health Department (AHD), the fox came into contact with a cat near a home in the area on Aug. 19.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Health officials in Alexandria are warning residents after a fox tested positive for rabies in the Del Ray and Rosemont area earlier this month.
According to the Alexandria Health Department (AHD), the fox came into contact with a cat near a home in the area on Aug. 19. The fox was later put down and tested positive for rabies.
The health department is working with the cat’s owner on the next steps after coming into contact with the infected fox.
If you see animals showing symptoms of rabies, the health department says to call Alexandria Animal Control at (703) 746-4444. If you are worried about yourself or a family member being exposed to rabies, call the Alexandria Health Department at (703) 726-4910.
Rabies Symptoms
The beginning symptoms of the rabies virus are similar to flu symptoms and may last for days, according to the Mayo Clinic.
WHO reports there are two different forms of the disease, furious rabies and paralytic rabies.
Symptoms of furious rabies can include:
- Hyperactivity
- Excitable behavior
- Hydrophobia (the fear of water)
- Aerophobia (the fear of drafts or of fresh air)
WHO says paralytic rabies “runs a less dramatic and usually longer course” than the other form.
Symptoms of paralytic rabies can include muscles gradually becoming paralyzed and a slowly developing coma. WHO says this form of rabies is often misdiagnosed and contributes to the under-reporting of the disease.
Later signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Partial paralysis
Rabies prevention tips
WHO, the Mayo Clinic and the CDC have shared various tips on how to prevent contracting the rabies virus.
Experts urge people to vaccinate their pets against the rabies virus and talk to their veterinarian about how often their pet should be vaccinated.
If you are bitten by an animal, immediately wash the wound for a minimum of 15 minutes with soap and water, detergent, povidone iodine or other substances that remove and kill the rabies virus. After washing the wound, report the bite to your local animal control agency. Make sure to identify and observe the animal, but do not risk exposure again and get prompt medical attention by visiting the nearest emergency room.
The Mayo Clinic urges people to get medical attention even if they are unsure if they have been bit.
“For instance, a bat that flies into your room while you’re sleeping may bite you without waking you. If you awake to find a bat in your room, assume you’ve been bitten,” the clinic website reads. “Also, if you find a bat near a person who can’t report a bite, such as a small child or a person with a disability, assume that person has been bitten.”
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