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Rabid ‘opportunistic predator attacks’ in New York State

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A rabid animal attacked people in the Hudson Valley.

On Monday, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health confirmed that a wild fox tested positive for rabies.

Wild Fox tests positive for rabies in Sullivan County, New York

A wild fox was captured by health officials in Sullivan County after the animal was attacked in Sullivan County.

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“Foxes are opportunistic predators and eat a wide variety of foods, including small to medium mammals, rodents and carrion,” health officials say.

The fox was found in the town of Bethel, New York and later “tested positive for the rabies virus,” according to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.

Rabid Fox attacks in the town of Bethel, New York

Health officials did not say how many people were attacked by the rabid animal, but confirmed that those exposed are receiving anti-rabies treatment.

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“Exposed individuals are currently receiving appropriate treatment,” the Sullivan County Department of Public Health said.

Rabies can be fatal

Rabies is a potentially fatal disease. The only way to get it is through a bite from a sick animal or through saliva in an open wound, officials say.

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“The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive proper medical care after a possible exposure to rabies, the virus can cause illness in the brain, ultimately leading to death,” the CDC states.

Animals in which rabies is most common

Rabies is most common in these animals.

Animals in which rabies is most common

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America, rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and mongooses. It is also found in cats, cattle and dogs. The CDC says rabid bats have been found in every state except Hawaii. Rabid mongooses have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including humans. Human cases are rare in the United States, but fatal if not caught in time.

Gallery credits: Kristine Bellino

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