Rabies Alert Issued After Encounters With Fox In Ashburn Farm

ASHBURN, VA — A rabies alert was issued by the Loudoun County Health Department after two encounters with a rabid fox in Ashburn Farm this week.

The health department says two people and two dogs had contact with a fox that later tested positive for rabies. The exposures happened in the area of Silver Thistle Court, Wayside Circle and Tavernsprings Court in the Ashburn Farm neighborhood.

Anyone who may have been in contact with a rabid fox in the Ashburn Fox area is encouraged to contact their health care provider or the Health Department at 571-233-7317 immediately.

Rabies is a virus spread to people and pets through the bite and scratches of an infected animal. It can be fatal to humans if not treated before symptoms begin. Rabies cases in people are rare due to vaccination programs, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says rabies can cause severe brain disease and death without medical care before symptom onset. Immediate medical attention after exposure is almost 100 percent effective in preventing rabies when given properly.

The health department encourages residents to avoid contact with unattended animals. In the case of potential rabies contact, the CDC recommends immediately washing wounds with soap and water for 15 minutes, along with prompt medical care.

The best way to prevent rabies infection in pets is to keep them vaccinated against rabies. The CDC recommends euthanizing an animal showing signs of rabies. Signs of rabies in animals may include abnormal behavior, lethargy, fever, vomiting and anorexia, ataxia, weakness, self-mutilation, rapid progression to cerebral and cranial nerve dysfunction, paralysis, seizures, swallowing difficulties, excessive salivation and aggression.

More information about rabies response and prevention is available from the health department.

To report animals showing irregular or aggressive behavior, contact Loudoun County Animal Services’ Humane Law Enforcement Division at 703-777-0406, or 703-777-1021 after hours.