WAVY.com

Red fox in Williamsburg tests positive for rabies

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) – The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts is notifying residents of Williamsburg and James City County that a red fox involved in an accident in Mirror Lake Estates has tested positive for rabies.

According to officials, the accident occurred in the 100 block of Reflection Drive in Williamsburg.

Anyone who may have been exposed to the fox, including a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, is urged to contact the Peninsula Health District Environmental Health Office at 757-594-7340. For after hours calls, contact your local Animal Control:

  • Hampton: 757-727-6111
  • Newport News/Poquoson: 757-595-7387
  • Williamsburg/JCC: Daytime – 757-565-0370 ; Evenings, weekends, holidays – 757-253-1800
  • York County: 757-890-3601

The district is also reminding residents to follow the three important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Vaccinate your pets.
  • Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance — don’t feed or encourage wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks or foxes, to visit your premises.