2 Fox Bites in Springfield Area Raises Rabies Concerns

BURKE, VA — Two people suffered fox bites Monday in the Springfield area during separate incidents, and both victims were treated for their injuries at a local hospital, according to Fairfax County police.

The fox — or foxes — has not been captured and it's not known whether it's rabid, according to an animal control release. But the aggressive tendencies of the animal in the incidents suggest that may be the case.

The first incident, in the 8600 block of Kenilworth Drive, occurred a little after 10:30 a.m. when an 81-year-woman was bitten in her front yard.

The second incident, in the 5600 block of Ventnor Lane, happened just before 2 p.m. when an 84-year-old man was bitten while mowing a lawn.

Police placed traps around the location to no avail.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can infect both people and animals, and people usually get rabies when bitten by a rabid animal.

If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention right away. In Fairfax County, residents should also immediately report animal bites, as well as sick or injured animals, to Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715.

More information on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips, and what to do if an animal bites.

Photo: Flickr