Rabies Alert Issued After Exposure With Infected Animal In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Health Department issued a rabies alert Thursday after an exposure involving an infected animal.

On Nov. 9, a fox infected with rabies had contact with a dog and person near a home in Alexandria's Rosemont neighborhood. The fox later died and had testing to confirm the rabies.

The health department is working with the exposed resident and dog owner on the next steps. Officials say there is an increased risk of rabies exposures in the community.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease when treated in a timely manner with a rabies vaccination programs for people and pets who were bitten. The virus spreads through the saliva of an infected animal into broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. Mammals, including pet dogs and cats, can get rabies and spread it.

Without timely treatment, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. People contracting rabies may experience early symptoms of general fatigue, fever, and headache for a few days. More serious symptoms following could include cerebral dysfunction, agitations, hallucinations and hydrophobia (fear of water).

Symptoms of rabies in animals can include unexpected aggression from an animal that would normally avoid people or flee, extreme drooling or foaming at the mouth, and walking as if drunk or having unusual sluggishness or stupor.

Rabies vaccinations are recommended to prevent pets' risk from rabies exposures. In the case of a pet's exposure, pet owners should contact a veterinarian to determine actions to take.

If a person gets bitten by an animal, health officials encourage thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water. A visit to the emergency room then a primary care provider follow-up should follow. The primary care provider or the state and local health department can determine if you need a rabies vaccine.

If the bite happens from someone else's pet, health officials recommend seeking the owner's contact information so animal control can determine the pet's vaccination status. Rabies treatment may not be required if the pet is properly vaccinated.

To prevent rabies in pets, health officials recommend keeping pets properly vaccinated, not feeding or approaching wild or stray animals and keeping dogs on a leash in public areas and parks.

To report animals exhibiting symptoms of rabies, call Alexandria Animal Control at 703-746-4444. For concerns about an exposure to rabies, call the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4910 during business hours.