The police are warning residents of Flagstaff, Arizona to be careful of foxes that might be rabid after several attacks had been reported this month.
At least three incidents were reported on Saturday, Dec. 22, and on Sunday, Dec. 23. Two people were reportedly bitten.
Rabid Foxes Attack Flagstaff Residents
Two of the reported attacks happened on Sunday after a fox had jumped on the bed of a pickup truck somewhere in Settlers Run Road and Bear Paw Drive in the Continental County Club. The fox reportedly had bitten one person before it ran off.
The Flagstaff Police District revealed in a news release that the fox was captured a few hours later in the area of Talor Drive and Hulet Lane.
A separate attack was also reported in the area of Aztec Street and Cherry Avenue. The fox, which bit another person, was also captured on Sunday.
The Coconino County Public Health has already started running tests to see if the foxes that attacked people were rabid.
The authorities are urging residents to be cautious around the wild animals. Do not try to feed or approach them.
"If you see any wild animals acting in an uncharacteristic manner watch them from a safe distance and call 911 immediately," the news alert released by the police advised.
What To Do If Bitten By A Suspected Rabid Fox
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal like raccoons, bats, and, in this case, foxes. It affects the central nervous system. If left unchecked, the virus will cause brain disease and ultimately lead to death.
The first symptom of rabies infection in humans include general weakness or discomfort, a headache, or fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu-like symptoms might last for two to 10 days. The person infected might also complain of discomfort or prickling and itchiness at the area that was bitten by the rabid animal.
Once the disease progresses, the patient will also experience delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. It is important to seek immediate professional help once bitten by a rabid animal because, when the clinical signs of rabies appear, it is always nearly fatal.
The CDC says that people who have been bitten should immediately wash their wounds with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. They should also consult a doctor for rabies vaccination.
