Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County along with Animal Care and Control have located three male persons who had been bitten by a rabid fox near North Congress Ave. in Delray Beach. All have begun the four shot series of rabies vaccine.

Department of Health Epidemiologists received confirmation Thursday that a gray fox captured on Wednesday, August 30 was positive for rabies.  One man was clearly identified as being scratched and bitten and put into treatment.  A second victim was identified as being bitten by a local hospital but had no address and only gave a first name.  Health Department Epidemiologist visited the area and found the missing individual and a third person who was exposed. These two males entered treatment today.  

Animal Care & Control continues to warn persons living in the area to avoid contact with any wild or stray animals. 

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.  Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

The following advice is issued:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Animal Care & Control at 561-233-1200.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website: https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies/index.html

or contact the Florida Health Palm Beach County, 561-840-4500.

Animals exhibiting signs of sickness and aggressive behavior should be reported to Animal Control at 561-233-1200.