2025 First Confirmed Rabies Case in Davidson County

Alert: 2025 First Confirmed Rabies Case in Davidson County

The Davidson County Health Department received the first confirmed positive rabies test result in 2025 after submitting a fox for specimen testing. This week a fox in High Point, north of the Hasty area of Davidson County, attacked a Davidson County resident and their dog at their home. The fox had been seen by others in the area previously and had demonstrated unusual behavior. The fox was sent to the State Lab for testing; the results confirmed the rabies virus. The individual attacked has received medical attention including the post-exposure rabies vaccine. The dog was up to date on the rabies vaccination, has received a booster dose and is under observation at home for 45 days.

The Davidson County Animal Shelter provides low-cost rabies vaccines at their location, 490 Glendale Road, Lexington, NC., Monday-Friday, from 11:00am-4:00pm for $5.00. We encourage all residents to review their pets’ records and seek vaccines if needed.

Wild animals account for most confirmed rabies cases in the United States. To protect yourself, family, friends, and pets beware of wild animals, especially those out during the daytime. Stay away from animals you do not know. If you see an unfamiliar or wild animal near or around your home, contact Animal Control for assistance.

Do not attempt to handle or engage with wild animals, as the rabies virus is spread through saliva of an infected animal. The rabies virus is 99.9% fatal in humans who do not seek immediate post-exposure treatment. North Carolina state law requires that all animal bites, domestic or wild, be promptly reported to the local health department. If you suspect a domestic animal may have been in contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal, contact a veterinarian for guidance. The rabies virus is 100% fatal in domestic animals if they have not received the rabies vaccine and been kept up to date. North Carolina law requires that all domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine by 4 months of age. For more information about rabies prevention visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html.

For media inquiries related to the press release contact: Lillian.Koontz@DavidsonCountyNC.gov