Residents who have had contact with this animal are asked to consult with their health care provider.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department says a fox found in the Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park near Foxville Road on Saturday has tested positive for rabies. The fox had attacked one person and reportedly chased away some other people. .
The Health Department says the fox was collected from the area of the Yellow Blaze Trail that runs alongside Foxville Road.
County officials say if you had contact with this animal between February 27th and March 13th, consult with your health care provider and notify the Health Department’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. If your pets have had contact with this fox, contact your veterinarian and notify the Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is a viral disease which infect mammals and is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Its symptoms in animals are fear of water, excessive salivation, failure eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, and/or atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals coming out during the daytime.
The disease is nearly always fatal to humans.
“To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, do not touch or play with wild or stray animals, and make sure your pets are currently vaccinated,” says Barry Goltlfelty, the Director of t the Health Department’s Environmental Health Services, in a statement.
By Kevin McManus