PEEKSKILL, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — After the Westchester County Department of Health released an alert on Wednesday that two people were bit by a rabid fox, two more residents came forward as victims, health officials said on Friday.
The DOH’s press release from Wednesday confirms that the rabid fox was killed in Peekskill, and the two affected individuals, who were together when bit, tested positive for rabies and began preventative rabies treatment.
The two subsequent residents were not receiving treatment, but are not under a doctor’s care, the DOH said.
“Exposure to rabies when left untreated can lead to death. In this case the two subsequent individuals saw the news reports about the rabid fox and called the Health Department. That one news report and one phone call – quite literally saved their lives,” Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD said.
Health officials explained that unusual behavior in an animal could be the first sign of rabies. Acting abnormally aggressive, unusually tame, losing fear of people, becoming excited, irritable, or particularly passive could be signs.
The DOH also notes that sometimes staggering and frothing at the mouth are noted.
Residents are told to never approach a wild animal, and if they encounter an animal acting strangely, they should immediately contact local authorities.
They are also advised to keep the lid on their trash cans, remove wild bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food outside.
New York State law requires that owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinate their pets against rabies and receive regular boosters.
Anyone who thinks they may have come in contact with the rabid fox in Peekskill should call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000, a line that is available 24/7.
“If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, you must immediately contact the Westchester County Health Department – your life depends on it,” Amler warned.