Potential Exposure to Rabid Fox in Ashburn Farm Area

The Loudoun County Health Department is encouraging anyone who may have come into contact with a rabid fox in the Ashburn Farm area to contact their health care provider or the Health Department at 571-233-7317 as soon as possible. This warning comes after at least two individuals and two dogs came into contact with a fox that was later captured and tested positive for rabies.

The exposures occurred this week in the vicinity of Silver Thistle Court, Wayside Circle and Tavernsprings Court in the Ashburn Farm area.

Rabies is a virus that is spread through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite or saliva-contaminated scratch. Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with unattended animals to minimize the exposure. Seeking evaluation and potential medical care for exposure to animals with rabies as soon as possible is very important because rabies is a fatal disease if treatment is not begun before the start of symptoms.

To report animals displaying irregular or aggressive behavior, contact Loudoun County Animal Services' (LCAS) Humane Law Enforcement Division at 703-777-0406 or 703-777-1021 after hours. Additional information is posted on the Loudoun County website.

More information on rabies is posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov/rabies.

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