Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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September 11, 2009

Rabies test confirms infected fox in Oakvale

By GREG JORDAN

OAKVALE — Mercer County health officials were urging residents to take precautions Friday after reporting that a fox had tested positive for rabies.

One person was exposed to the fox in the Oakvale area, said Administrator Melody Rickman, RN. This individual was checked by a physician and adequately treated, she added.

The fox was found Sept. 4, Rickman said. A written rabies test report from state official arrived this week.

Pet owners are being urged to ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinations are required every two years under West Virginia law.

To avoid attracting wild animals such as foxes or raccoons, dog and cat food should not be left outdoors. Wild animals should not be approached even if they appear to be tame.

If a pet or a person is bitten by any animal, the bite should be reported to the Mercer County Health Department, and physicians should be contacted immediately.

The Mercer County Health Department can be reached at 304-324-8367.

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