Alabama woman bitten by rabid fox while unloading groceries from car: 'Public health threat'

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An Alabama woman was bitten by a rabid fox recently as she unloaded groceries from her car, according to local reports. The Atmore woman, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly holding a loaf of bread when "seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox," according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The woman, described as "older," received post-exposure treatment to help prevent rabies infection .

HOT SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS HEALTHY IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES THIS SEASON The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was tested and confirmed positive for rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated before emergence of symptoms, according to the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An Alabama woman was recently bitten by a rabid fox (not pictured), according to local reports. (iStock) It is typically spread to people or pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

"Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat," said Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama’s public health veterinarian, in the release.

EIGHT PUPPIES ABANDONED IN SWELTERING TEXAS HEAT RESCUED BY DEPUTIES "Although attacks such as this by rabid wild.