July 24, 2022
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov
Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Advises Residents of Rabid Fox
Seek Help Immediately if You Were Exposed
Danville, Va. – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is notifying the public of a rabid fox found in the vicinity of Mount Cross Road and Tyler Avenue on July 21. The fox was sent for rabies testing and tested positive. The fox is known to have bitten at least two individuals.
The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District would like to alert the community that anyone who received a bite or scratch, or were otherwise exposed to the saliva from the fox around July 21 in the vicinity of Mount Cross Road and Tyler Avenue in Danville should seek care at the nearest emergency department immediately. Rabies is a deadly disease that is 100 percent fatal once symptoms begin, but can be prevented with treatment if it begins immediately after exposure.
The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District encourages everyone to vaccinate their pets, to protect them, family members, loved ones and the community at large from rabies. Virginia law requires domestic animals to be vaccinated against rabies.
In addition to keeping pets vaccinated and keeping vaccinations current, take these steps to protect families and pets from exposure to rabies:
- Avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons and skunks, or stray cats and dogs;
- Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs;
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency;
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home; and
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District at (434) 766-9828.
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