Raccoon that bit man in Fairfax County tests positive for rabies

GREAT FALLS, Va. - There have been several reported animal attacks in Fairfax County this week. On Friday, police confirmed that one of the animals captured has tested positive for rabies.

In all, three people have been attacked in three separate cases over a 2-day period.

Police said a raccoon that got inside a home in Clifton bit the homeowner at around 11 a.m. Thursday. The man was able to capture the animal and it later tested positive for rabies.

Two other people were bitten by foxes in the Great Falls area at Riverbend Park on Wednesday morning.

According to police, a woman running on a trail from the nature center to the river was bitten by a fox at around 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The trail was temporarily closed for a few days and signs have been placed around the park warning of possible rabid wildlife in the area.

A woman checking on her chickens at around 9 a.m. Wednesday was also bitten by a fox in the 9100 block of Potomac Woods Lane, which is in the proximity of Riverbend Park.

The foxes in these two incidents got away and were unable to be tested.

All of the victims received medical treatment after being attacked.

If you encounter any wildlife in the area, police recommend you to stay away from them and also to make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies every year.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention right away and report it to animal control.