Rabies Concerns Raised By Health Department After Fox Bites In Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A fox in Woodbridge tested positive for rabies, the Prince William Health District announced on Thursday. The fox was found on Sunday, Sept. 19, and officials could not confirm if this particular fox was connected to a series of recent fox bites in the area of Smoketown Road and Minnieville Road.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that targets a person or animal's nervous system. The virus can be found in the saliva or brain tissue of infected animals. It is most often transmitted through bites, or by exposing infected saliva or brain tissue to a wound, an eye, or a mouth.

"Rabies kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it," the health district said. However, officials also noted that "rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, ferrets, and some livestock with a rabies vaccination."

Officials said the infected fox was located near the intersection of Bethel Church Drive and Smoketown Road on Sunday. The health district did not say whether the fox was alive when it was found.

Anyone who may have had interactions with animals acting strangely near Bethel Church Drive, Minnieville Road, or Smoketown Road is encouraged to call the Prince William Health District or Prince William County's Animal Control Division. The health district can be reached at 703-792-5363. Animal control can be reached at 703-792-6500.

Virginia law requires all dogs and cats that are four months old or older to be vaccinated against rabies. The health district recommended residents to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, especially near Smoketown Road and Minnieville Road.

Here are some other additional steps to help prevent the spread of rabies, according to the health district.

• Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Do not handle sick, injured, or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars, and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
• If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor, or the Prince William Health District for further recommendations

More information about rabies is available on the Virginia Department of Health's website.