Quintana Roo Health Officials Seek Contacts of Rabid Gray Fox in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Health officials in Quintana Roo are asking anyone who came into physical contact with a gray fox that appeared at a Cancún supermarket earlier this month to seek medical advice, after the captured animal tested positive for rabies.

The Quintana Roo Health Department said the fox was spotted on October 3 at a supermarket in the city and was later captured. Following established protocols, tests confirmed the animal carried the rabies virus.

According to the department, the fox scratched a 1-year-old girl, who was treated immediately and given the anti-rabies vaccine. The child is in good health.

As a precaution, officials are working to locate anyone else who may have had contact with the animal.

The department said there are no human rabies cases in the state and that the measures taken are part of standard prevention and epidemiological surveillance protocols designed to protect public health.

Officials urged anyone who had physical contact with the fox to request medical guidance and follow-up care by calling 911 or 998 888 6640, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Authorities also reminded the public to avoid contact with any wild animal, refrain from trying to capture or handle it, and report its presence in urban areas to the proper authorities.