What should you know about foxes and rabies?

Rabies is an infection that can affect the brain and nerves. It spreads when infected saliva enters broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or another mucous membrane. A bite is the clearest exposure, but a scratch contaminated with saliva may also matter. Touching a fox, seeing one outdoors, or contact with intact skin is not the same as an exposure. Do not try to catch, handle, or keep an unfamiliar fox, especially one acting unusually, appearing confused, or active in daylight.

Move away safely, then wash a bite or scratch with plenty of soap and running water for a prolonged period. If available, use an appropriate antiseptic after washing. Do not seal a puncture with glue or delay care while trying to identify the animal. Tell the clinician when the contact happened, where the wound is, whether saliva may have reached broken skin or the face, and whether the fox can be safely located by authorities. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis can include wound care, vaccination, and other treatment chosen according to the exposure.

Seek urgent medical care the same day after any bite, scratch, or saliva contact involving broken skin, the eyes, or the mouth. Go to emergency care for heavy bleeding, a deep wound, injury near the eye, trouble breathing, faintness, or rapidly increasing swelling. Do not wait for symptoms of rabies; once illness develops it is extremely serious. A clinician can decide whether rabies prevention, tetanus care, antibiotics, or further wound treatment is appropriate.

Ask whether the exposure needs Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, which doses or visits are needed, how to care for the wound, and whether tetanus protection or antibiotics should be considered.