The Lenoir County Health Department received confirmation from the North Carolina State Laboratory that a fox has tested positive for rabies.

Last week, Animal Control was contacted by a concerned citizen that noticed the fox's erratic behavior. The Animal Control Officer was able to capture the fox and canvassed the neighborhood to determine if any humans or domestic animals had been exposed to the fox. At this time, the Lenoir County Health Department has not found any people or animals that were exposed to the fox. The fox was captured in the southern part of Lenoir County in the Meadowbrook area.

According to Pamela Brown, Health Director, "We are relieved that it appears that no people or pets have been exposed to this fox, but we want to remind people that rabies is a deadly disease for both people and animals. We urge people to let the Health Department, the hospital, or their doctor know if they have been scratched or bitten by or have handled an animal that could be rabid."

To keep pets safe, residents should have pets vaccinated for rabies and keep them away from stray or wild animals.

For questions or concerns about rabies, please call the Lenoir County Health Department at 252-526-4200. For information about vaccinating pets for rabies, please contact a veterinarian.