A rabid fox was euthanized ‘humanely’ after attacking nine people on US Capitol Hill. A congressman and a journalist are among the attacked.
Here’s what happened
Three fox kits and a mother fox were put down following rabies exposure. The attack by the fox caused a frenzy on both Capitol and Twitter. It was caught the next day by Capitol Police who trapped the fox and tested it. Following the tests confirming that the fox had rabies, the fox and three kits were euthanized. According to officials, “the kits could have been exposed [to rabies] during grooming or other means”. “They were no longer able to be safely rehabilitated,” they added.
Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system. It is passed through scratches or bites from infected animals. It is a primary disease in dogs, coyotes, foxes, wolves, bats, and monkeys which can also affect humans. Humans, when bitten by rabid animals can start experiencing flu-like symptoms or discomfort and irritation at the bite site. However, it can progress to agitation, confusion, cerebral dysfunction, and even death.
Rabid fox attacks nine
The rabid fox attacked nine people including congressman Ami Bera and a journalist. California congressman was walking near a Senate office when he felt what he assumed to be a small dog lunge at him. He stated that he used his umbrella for fending off the fox for about 15 seconds. Reporter Ximena Bustillo was also bitten by the fox. “You’re telling me I survived three years of a pandemic to be bit by a rabid fox,” said the reporter. They started their first series of four rabies shots.
Thanks, everyone for the well wishes! I feel healthy and am glad to be back at work.
Despite the dustup, I hold no grudge or ill will against @thecapitolfox. Hoping the 🦊 and its family is safely relocated and wish it a happy and prosperous future.
Originally tweeted by Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) on April 6, 2022.
The Officials are contacting everyone bitten by the fox. They are also urging people to report encounters with sick, injured, or aggressive foxes. However, they are not planning to take action against healthy foxes in the areas. According to the National Park Service, foxes are common in the DC areas. they added that they adapt well to both rural and city life.
