Rabid fox attacks person in Thomasville
Apr. 24—THOMASVILLE — A fox that attacked someone in the Thomasville area tested positive for the rabies virus, the Davidson County Health Department said.
The fox attacked a person doing yard work near the junction of Motsinger Road and Old Greensboro Road late last week, according to a health department press release. A neighbor was able to kill the fox.
The bite victim received post-exposure rabies treatment.
This is the fourth lab-confirmed positive case of rabies in Davidson County for 2024.
Wild animals account for the majority of confirmed rabies cases in the United States. Health officials recommend that people stay away from animals they do not know. If you see an unfamiliar or wild animal near or around your home, contact your local animal control agency for assistance. Do not attempt to handle or engage with wild animals, as the rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal.
The rabies virus is 99.9% fatal in humans who do not seek immediate post-exposure treatment. The rabies virus is 100% fatal in domestic animals if they have not received the rabies vaccine and are not kept up-to-date. North Carolina law requires that all domestic cats, dogs and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine by 4 months of age. For more information about rabies prevention visit www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html.
Jill Doss-Raines is The Dispatch trending topics and personality profiles senior reporter and is always looking for tips about businesses and entertainment events, secret and new menu items and interesting people in Davidson County. Contact me at jill.doss-raines@the-dispatch.com.
