PEEKSKILL – The Westchester County Department of Health has issued an alert that a fox that bit two Peekskill residents last Saturday, tested positive for rabies.
Both residents, who were together during the incident, are currently receiving preventative treatment for rabies.
The health department is reminding residents that unusual behavior in an animal may be the first sign of rabies. A rabid animal may become abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people, become excited, irritable, or appear particularly passive and lethargic.
Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes visible.
“If you see an animal that is acting aggressively, stay away from it and contact local police immediately,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.
She said if bitten or scratched, call the health department immediately.
All animal bites or contacts with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the county health department at 914-813-5000 24 hours a day.
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