Rabid fox charges Chatham County woman, no one bitten or scratched

A fox tested positive for rabies after an encounter with a woman over the weekend in Chatham County, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

No one was bitten or scratched, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said it happened on Saturday morning on Silk Hope-Lindley Mill Road near the intersection of Will Brown Road in Siler City after a woman reported that a fox charged at her while she was walking in her driveway.

According to the sheriff’s office, the fox emerged from a culvert and ran toward her.

The woman restrained the fox until Silk Hope firefighters arrived and secured the animal until deputies showed up. Authorities euthanized the fox and submitted the animal for rabies testing.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including people. It is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, but prompt medical evaluation after a possible exposure can prevent illness.

Health officials generally consider bites, scratches, or contact with the saliva of a rabid animal through broken skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth to be potential exposures. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should seek medical advice immediately.

The Chatham County Public Health Department has contacted the woman involved and the two firefighters who assisted at the scene to evaluate any potential exposure and determine whether preventive treatment is needed.

Vaccinating pets is one of the most important protections against rabies.

North Carolina law requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets. Keeping pets vaccinated helps protect them, their owners and the community by reducing the risk that rabies can spread from wildlife to domestic animals and people.

"We appreciate the quick actions of the Silk Hope firefighters who helped secure the animal and protect those involved," Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said. "This incident serves as an important reminder that rabies remains present in our wildlife population.

“Keeping pets vaccinated and avoiding contact with wild animals are among the best ways to protect both animals and people."

People should also:

• Avoid approaching or handling wildlife, especially animals acting unusually tame, aggressive or disoriented.

• Keep pets vaccinated and supervised outdoors.

• Report suspicious wildlife behavior to local authorities.

• Seek medical advice immediately if bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal.