Fox that bit children was rabid

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Two children, a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy are undergoing rabies treatment after being bitten by what health officials now say was a rabid fox. The two were bitten last weekend in the 3800 block of Pughsville Road.

Jay Duell with the Suffolk Health Department told WAVY.com the dog that killed the fox had already undergone its rabies vaccination and booster, however it will still need to be quarantined for a total of 45 days.

Last week WAVY.com spoke with a woman who witnessed the attack. Dottie Bhonhoff said the fox "came out like a bullet and crawled up his[the boy's] back, and that's when it bit him on the leg. It [the fox] made a weird noise."

Other neighbors told us they never expected a fox attack in their neighborhood.

"The kids were just playing in the front yard," said Rhonda Strain, who also witnessed the 7-year-old get bitten.

Strain said she was the first to call 911. "It came out of the woods and jumped on the girl and then her mom," said Strain.

Suffolk police said they believe all of the Friday night attacks were isolated to one fox.

Suffolk Animal Control advises residents to do the following:

• Vaccinate all pets against rabies and keep their shots up to date.
• Feed pets indoors and keep them on a leash. Cats are more likely to contract rabies because they roam.
• Animal proof your home and yard.
• Store garbage in secure areas. 
• Don't feed or handle wild animals.
• If wildlife is seen during the day, call Animal Control.