Officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health have commented on an incident in Atmore, where a woman was bitten by a fox with rabies. The woman received immediate medical care following the incident. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated, so officials are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves.
Some precautions that can be taken to prevent rabies include confining pets within a fenced-in area or on a leash, avoiding leaving pet food out near residences, refraining from feeding or keeping wildlife as pets, staying away from animals that are acting strangely, and advising children to stay away from stray or wild animals.
Dr. Dee W. Jones, the State Public Health veterinarian, stressed that while rabies is primarily found in wild animals, it continues to be a public health threat. She emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies. Incidents involving rabid wildlife are rare but serve as a reminder of the ongoing risk.
For more information and resources regarding rabies prevention, residents can visit the Alabama Department of Public Health website. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from potential exposure to rabies.