Rabid Fox Attacks Cat In Alexandria Neighborhood, Tests Positive: Health Alert

Health officials have issued an urgent warning in response to the discovery of a rabid fox in Alexandria’s Del Ray/Rosemont area.

A red fox.

A fox from the Del Ray/Rosemont neighborhood tested positive for rabies this week, according to the Alexandria Health Department (AHD).

According to investigators, the fox and cat had a run-in near a local residence on Tuesday, August 19. Later, the animal’s rabies test came back positive.

Now that the fox has passed away, the Health Department is discussing the next course of action with the owner of the cat.

The instance increases the community’s danger of rabies exposure, health experts cautioned.

According to health officials, please contact Alexandria Animal Control at 703-746-4444 if you witness animals displaying signs of rabies. During regular business hours, please contact the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4910 if you or your family are worried about being exposed to rabies.

Even if an animal appears friendly or injured, residents are advised not to feed or touch wild, stray, or feral animals.

In addition, officials reminded the public that all canines must be kept on leashes in parks and public spaces and emphasized the significance of ensuring that cats and dogs have received the most recent rabies vaccines.

The fatal virus that causes rabies is spread via saliva, usually from a bite or scratch. Animals may exhibit unusual hostility, excessive mouth foaming or drooling, and slow or stumbling behavior as symptoms.