Rabid Fox Attacks Lanham Resident, People Asked To Report Sightings To Help Capture It

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD —A suspected rabid fox has been seen roaming around Lanham and attacked a person Dec. 11, according to county health officials.

The fox has been described as large in size, reddish-brown in color, with blood on its mouth and elsewhere on its body. Due to the risk of rabies exposure, the Prince George's County Health Department asks for the public's helping in finding any people or animals who have been in contact with the fox, which was last seen in the 9900 block of Elm Street.

Contact the health department immediately at 301-583-3751 if anyone or any animals have been in contact with the fox between Nov. 26 and Dec. 21.

“Rabies is often a life-threatening disease; however, it is highly preventable by beginning post-exposure treatment immediately following exposure. Treatment is determined by the type of animal contact and patient assessment,” said Dr. Matthew Levy, Prince George’s County Health Officer. “Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is easily transmissible through a bite of an infected animal. The best method to eliminate the risk of rabies exposure is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. We encourage community members to report any unusual or erratic animal behavior they notice and to avoid handling and feeding any unknown animals in their community.”

When a person is bitten or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal, the disease is prevented by administering four doses of rabies vaccine over a 14-day period and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin given at the beginning of treatment. Each year, approximately 900 Marylanders receive preventive treatment after exposure to a rabid or potentially rabid animal.

To prevent exposure to rabies, according to the county health department:

• Do not approach, handle or feed stray dogs and cats, and enforce leash laws.
• Teach your children not to approach any unfamiliar animals.
• Have your dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations up-to-date.
• Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free.
• Cover garbage cans tightly and do not leave pet food outside; this may attract wild and stray animals.
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals or animals they do not know.
• Prevent bats from entering your home by using window screens and chimney caps and closing openings greater than one-fourth of an inch by one-half of an inch. Bats found in the home should be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies.
• Wear gloves when handling an animal if it has been in a fight with another animal. Keep it away from people and other animals, and call your veterinarian or local health department to report the animal exposure.

If you are bitten by or exposed to an animal that may be rabid, you should take the following steps, according to the county health department:

• If it is a wild animal, contact animal management to report seeing the wild animal.
• If it is an owned animal, get the animal owner's name, address and telephone number.
• Immediately wash the wound well with soap and water; use a disinfectant to flush the wound if available.
• Get prompt medical attention.
• Immediately report the exposure to your local animal services division, health department or police.
• Contact the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division at 301-780-7223 if you see the animal so that they can safely capture it.