The attack occured near the Ballpark Road recreational facility off Highway 1 in Lexington.
/ MGN
LEXINGTON, S.C. (WACH) - The fox thought to be involved in a confirmed attack in Lexington County Thursday was captured and tested positive for rabies.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed a fox attack near a recreational facility in Lexington Thurdsay.
The attack occurred near the Ballpark Road recreational facility off Highway 1.
This is the third fox attack in the Midlands in two weeks.
According to DHEC Public Information Director Adam Myrick, the fox from the Lexington County Ballpark Road incident is the state's first confirmed rabid fox in 2012. There have been 20 confirmed rabid animals so far this year in the state. Fifteen have been raccoons.
Last year, there were 107 confirmed rabid animals in the state. Nineteen were foxes.
Authorities with DHEC advise individuals to be especially cautious and avoid wild animals.
"Avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild," said Sue Ferguson of DHEC’s Bureau of Environmental Health. "About 400 South Carolinians must undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year, with most exposures from being bitten or scratched by a rabid or suspected rabid animal."
According to Ferguson, two individuals were attacked by foxes in separate incidents in residential areas south of Garners Ferry Road two weeks ago on Feb. 16.
"Wild animals carry the disease most often, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well," Ferguson said. "To protect both the pets and their owners, residents should make sure their pets are regularly vaccinated against the disease. State law requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies."
"If you are bitten, scratched or come into contact with the saliva of a possibly infected animal, immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water," she said. "Then be sure to get medical attention and report the incident to DHEC."
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