City health officials said Wednesday that a fox that bit a congressman and at least eight other people near the U.S. Capitol was euthanized and found to have rabies.
The Capital Public Health Laboratory confirmed that a fox that was captured yesterday has tested positive for the rabies virus. In a statement, the ministry said DC Health is contacting all human victims who were bitten by a fox.
The Department of Health said earlier in the day that the female fox was “responsible for 9 confirmed bites on Capitol Hill” and was “euthanized so that a rabies test can be performed.”
The test came back positive Wednesday evening.
The health agency said “fox kits” were found Wednesday morning, and officials were “working to identify next steps” for them.
DC . Animal Control fox captivity Tuesday after receiving “several reports of violent encounters with foxes on or near the grounds of the US Capitol”.
Among those who walked in with the fox was Rep. Amy Berra, D-Calif., who said he was bitten on his leg on the way to the office on Monday.
Dr. Bera told NBC News on Tuesday night that he started Rabies prevention Treatment as a precaution. Treatment includes a seven-shot round, and requires three follow-up rounds in the next 14 days.
“You don’t want to mess with wild animal stings or anything like that,” Bera said.
rabies fatal habit If left untreated.
Animal Control said it is posting informational flyers near the Capitol advising residents and staff of a case of fox rabies and encouraging people who may have been exposed to contact the health department.
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