Fox that attacked child was rabid and entire family was exposed, NC officials say

A child was attacked by a rabid fox in rural North Carolina, leaving the entire family exposed to the deadly viral disease, according to the Alamance County Healthy Department.

It happened late Monday, Oct. 30, “in the vicinity of Gilliam Church Road in Elon,” health department officials said in a news release. Elon is north of Interstate 40, about 40 miles west of Durham.

Details of the child’s injuries were not released, but the fox was captured and killed.

“The fox was sent to the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh and found positive for rabies,” county officials said.

“A family of five was exposed and sought out medical attention for post-exposure treatment.”

County officials are now focused on capturing a stray cat in the same area, which may also have been exposed.

Neighbors who came into contact with strangely acting animals in the area are advised to contact county’s on-call communicable disease nurse at 336-516-7715.

Alamance County has had four confirmed rabies cases in 2023, including another fox that came into contact with a human. The county only had one rabies case in 2022.

“Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 7:26 AM.