August 22, 2024
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Population Health Manager, 757-594-7411 or taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov
Rabid Fox Notification in Williamsburg, James City County
HAMPTON, Va. — The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts would like to notify Williamsburg/James City County residents that a red fox involved in an incident in the 100 block of Reflection Drive, in Mirror Lake Estates, has tested positive for the rabies virus.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Peninsula Health District Environmental Health Office, (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact local Animal Control:
Hampton 757-727-6111
Newport News/Poquoson 757-595-7387
Williamsburg/JCC 757-565-0370 (daytime); 757-253-1800 (evenings, weekends, holidays)
York County 757-890-3601
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid 1980’s. Our local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community. The district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
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