A wild fox that potentially has rabies bit a man, dog and a cat in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County Thursday night.
Police were called out after the man initially called 911 claiming that he was bit by a fox, and quickly after the fox bit a cat underneath a car not too far away. This happened on the 2300 block of William and Mary Drive.
Reportedly, after the fox fled the scene, police say it moved down the same street and got in a fight with a dog on the 2200 block. The man with the dog was able to scare off the animal, but luckily was not bitten.
It has not been officially confirmed whether or not the fox has rabies, but it was acting in an aggressive way that is normally with an infected animal.
Extensive searching by police led to no evidence of the fox's current location, both the night of the attack and the morning after.
As the animal has still not been found, Animal Protection police wants to remind residents to keep a close eye on their pets, and to make sure that their pets get vaccinated against rabies once a year.
They also recommend that if you are bitten by animal that could potentially have rabies to wash your hands with soap and water, and then to immediately seek medical attention.
To report an animal bite or a sick or wounded animal in Fairfax County, please call Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.
General information about the virus, prevention tips, and what to do if you or your pet is bitten can be found here.
