WASHINGTON — Police are asking Fairfax County residents to be on the lookout for a possibly rabid fox that bit a woman Tuesday afternoon.
A fox approached a woman in her yard in the 1400 block of Laburnum Street in McLean, Virginia, at about 12:40 p.m. Tuesday and bit and scratched her, police say. Animal control officer responded to the scene, but were not able to find the fox, which they fear is rabid.
The fox, which was last seen on Copley Lane, is described as having a red tint as well as bloody paws and nose. The fox was acting lethargic as well, police say.
A bite from a rabid animal can transit rabies. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, and can cause disease in the brain and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the CDC each year occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Police are asking those who see the fox or others with possible symptoms to contact animal control at 703-691-2131.
Below is a map of the location near the fox sighting:
