2 bitten by fox in Chapel Hill - WRAL

A sign welcoming drivers to Chapel Hill on US 15-501 By WRAL staff const body = document.getElementsByClassName("article-body"), smallFontButton = document.getElementById("small-font-button"), mediumFontButton = document.getElementById("medium-font-button"), largeFontButton = document.getElementById("large-font-button"); smallFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.add("small-font"), body.classList.remove("medium-font"), body.classList.remove("large-font") }), mediumFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.remove("small-font"), body.classList.add("medium-font"), body.classList.remove("large-font") }), largeFontButton.addEventListener("click", t => { body.classList.remove("small-font"), body.classList.remove("medium-font"), body.classList.add("large-font") }) A fox bit two people in Orange County on Friday, according to the county's animal services. The county said the people were bitten in Chapel Hill around Erwin Road, close to Kirkwood Drive and McGregor Drive. Animal Control officers were working to locate and safely capture the fox on Friday afternoon. Orange County leaders are asking residents to keep a close watch over their surroundings. It was not clear how seriously hurt the victims were. The county said it's not known if the fox is rabid. Anyone who sees a fox acting aggressively or unusually is urged to contact local Animal Control immediately by dialing 911 to be connected to an on-call animal control officer. Rabies is a fatal, viral infection that is transmitted to animals and people. Animal Control urged people to be cautious while interacting with wildlife or unfamiliar animals when they're outside. An animal may have rabies if it shows the following symptoms: Rabies spreads to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches or direct contact with mucosa from the eyes, mouth or open wounds. All mammals are capable of being infected with and transmitting rabies. Rabies is commonly found in raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Bats are a host species for the virus around North Carolina and other areas, and most cases of rabies in humans have been traced to the animal. While wild animals may be active during daylight hours for a variety of reasons, simply seeing one during the day does not mean the animal is sick or infected with rabies. However, the Orange County Animal Services said people should keep their distance and avoid approaching wild animals. If a rabies suspect animal is alive, do not attempt to capture the animal. Keep visual contact with the animal until an Animal Control officer arrives.  In people, a disease expert from the county health department evaluates the risk of rabies exposure to humans. A decision about post-exposure prophylaxis that protects people from rabies is then based on an assessment of all factors involved in the situation. When it comes to pets, if there is a "reasonable suspicion of exposure," a dog, cat or ferret with a valid rabies vaccination history must receive a booster shot within 96 hours (4 days). By law in North Carolina, dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months must have a current and valid rabies vaccination at all times. If an unvaccinated dog or cat is believed to have a resonable suspicious of exposure, it must either be euthanized or quarantined for up to four months or six months for a ferret. For more information on rabies in North Carolina, the county recommends visiting the North Carolina Health and Human Services website.