Rabies Found in Fox That Scratched Baby in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Health officials in Quintana Roo have confirmed that a gray fox found in a Cancún parking lot was carrying rabies, and they are urging anyone who came into contact with the animal — directly or through a pet — to come forward for medical evaluation.

The Quintana Roo Health Department said the fox was found on Saturday, October 3, in the parking lot of a Bodega Aurrera store on Avenida Kabah, in Supermanzana 248 of Cancún. On Sunday, October 11, the agency issued a public appeal to locate people and pet owners who had contact with the animal, after confirming that it scratched a one-year-old girl.

Officials Seek Anyone Who Touched the Fox

According to state health authorities, the girl suffered a scratch on one finger. She was treated immediately and given a rabies vaccine as a precaution, and officials said she is in good health and out of danger.

Working with the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo, authorities captured the fox and transferred it to the Animal Control, Assistance and Zoonosis Center. There it was euthanized so that nervous tissue samples could be collected. The State Public Health Laboratory analyzed the samples and confirmed the presence of the virus.

Health officials said epidemiological surveillance and preventive care remain in place. No human rabies cases linked to the incident have been recorded in Quintana Roo, and the measures follow standard protocols for preventing zoonotic disease.

Why Contact With a Wild Fox Is Dangerous

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It spreads mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, via bites, scratches, or contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. Without prompt preventive treatment, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Wild animals such as gray foxes can carry the virus, so any physical contact with wildlife in urban areas is considered a risk and requires immediate medical assessment — without waiting for symptoms to appear.

Why Officials Are Tracking Contacts

Health authorities are working to identify everyone who touched the animal or whose pets interacted with it so they can offer medical guidance, evaluation and, where warranted, a preventive vaccination schedule. Tracing contacts allows officials to apply surveillance protocols, prevent possible transmission and protect public health. The appeal covers both direct contact and indirect contact through pets.