Test results confirm positive rabies case

The Davidson County Health Department has received test results confirming a positive rabies case in Davidson County. According to reports received, a Davidson County resident dbiiscovered a fox outside of his home and was subsequently bitten while attempting to remove the fox from the property. The fox was tested for rabies and lab results received last week, confirmed that the fox was positive for the rabies virus. Following the incident, the bite victim did seek medical attention and has started post exposure prophylaxis treatment. This event took place in the Denton area, south of Conrad Hill.

If you see wild or unknown animals near or around your home, do not attempt to engage, contact Animal Control for assistance in removing unknown animals. Do not touch wild animals with your bare hands as the rabies virus is 99% fatal in humans who do not seek immediate postexposure treatment.

This serves as a reminder to also protect your pets against rabies. North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept current. The Davidson County Health Department will host a FREE rabies clinic on April 20, 2023. The clinic will take place at Bethany United Methodist Church, located at 193 Bethany Rd, Lexington, from 6pm – 8pm. Animals must be at least 3 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. All humans and animals must remain inside their vehicles at all times during the clinic.

For media inquiries related to the press release contact: janna.walker@davidsoncountync.gov .