Rabid fox killed by Ferguson Township police after injuring a 3-year-old
Ferguson Township police killed Wednesday a wild fox that injured a 3-year-old and tested positive for rabies, the police department said Friday.
The child, who was scratched by the fox in the area of Abington Circle, was treated for minor injuries, Ferguson Township police Chief Chris Albright said.
Rabies is caused by a virus that can affect the central nervous system of any mammal. The virus is usually transmitted in saliva via the bite of an infected animal, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Since 2000, between 350 and 500 animals are annually confirmed to have rabies in the Keystone State, according to the state Health Department. About half of animal rabies cases are raccoons, followed by skunks, cats, bats and foxes.
Infected animals may exhibit behavioral symptoms, such as nocturnal animals being outside during daylight, excitability, apparent lack of fear or aggression, according to the PGC.
Anyone who witnesses an animal that might exhibit rabies symptoms should call police or the regional game commission office. Anyone who’s bitten or scratched by an animal believed to be infected should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the DOH.
This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 3:24 PM.