ROCKINGHAM — A seventh case of rabies has been reported by the Richmond County Health Department since September, 2015.
A fox, located on Mandella Lane in Rockingham, was sent to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health Tuesday, September 12, 2017, for testing. The fox attacked a local woman on her property the day before the animal’s capture. The NC State Lab has confirmed that the fox tested positive for rabies. The woman is currently undergoing medical treatment for her wounds.
Dr. Tommy Jarrell, Health Director, is urging local residents to be very cautious when they are near animals they do not know. He also reminds people to ensure that their own cats and dogs over the age of four months have their up-to-date rabies vaccination, which is required by North Carolina law.
Due to several positive rabies cases confirmed in Richmond County, future testing will only occur for animals with known contact with people or domestic animals. For more information regarding these issues, contact Jarrell or the RCHD at (910) 997-8300.
