2 More People Bitten By Rabid Fox In Westchester

PEEKSKILL, NY — Two more people have come forward to say they were bitten by the rabid fox that bit two Peekskill residents Saturday.

The Westchester County Department of Health announced Friday the two new people who were bitten were not receiving treatment for rabies but are under a doctor’s care.

Medical officials said the rabid fox was killed after the first two people were bitten.

SEE ALSO: Fox That Bit 2 Tested Positive For Rabies

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amer, M.D., said, if you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, you must immediately contact the Westchester County Health Department because your life depends on it.

“Exposure to rabies when left untreated can lead to death,” she said. “In this case, the two subsequent individuals saw the news reports about the rabid fox and called the Health Department.

“That one news report and one phone call quite literally saved their lives,” Amler said.

Health officials said, if you came in contact with the fox in Peekskill, please call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Unusual behavior in an animal may be the first sign of rabies, medical experts said. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people, become excited, irritable or appear particularly passive and lethargic. Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Residents should never approach or have contact with a stray or wild animal. Residents who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies. Residents are also advised to keep their trashcan lids securely sealed, remove wild bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, 24 hours a day.

Keeping pet rabies vaccinations up to date is also important for protection against rabies. New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Rabies Info-Line at 914-813-5010.