The Health Department confirmed rabies in one out of three animal bite incidents that occurred last week. Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Police
Fairfax County Police investigated three separate incidents of wild animal bites at the end of last week, including a report of a Clifton man being awakened around 11 a.m. on March 3 by a raccoon in his home. The next day, police said the Health Department confirmed the raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus.
The man fought the raccoon, a police report said, during which the animal bit him. The man eventually killed the intruder by suffocating it with his foot on the raccoon’s throat. Afterward, he bagged the animal and took it to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
The first incident took place at Riverbend Park in Great Falls on March 2, when a woman running on the trail between the nature center and the river was bitten by a fox. Next, also on March 2, a woman living on Potomac Woods Lane (near by Riverbend Park) was also bitten by a fox while checking on her chickens, police said.
If you’re bitten or scratched by an animal you suspect might have rabies, Fairfax County Police say to thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and get medical attention immediately.
Residents should report any animal bites, or sightings of sick or injured animals, to Animal Control Services at 703-691-2131, TTY 703-877-3715. More information from Fairfax County on the rabies virus, exposure prevention tips and what to do if an animal bites is available online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/rabies.