Health department officials are looking for anyone who may have touched two wild animals that recently tested positive for rabies.
A fox was collected Wednesday from the Loma Verde South Wash in Saguaro National Park, after guests told park officials that it was acting aggressively, said Aaron Pacheco, a Pima County Health Department spokesman.
The fox was found in the wash east of the Loma Verde parking lot near Cactus Forest Loop, he said.
In the second incident, a bat discovered on October 13 outside Office Max, 9580 E. 22nd St., also tested positive for rabies, Pacheco said.
Anyone who visited either location, but didn't make physical contact with the animals or their saliva are not at risk.
Anyone who may have made contact with the animals before they were removed should contact the health department at 724-7797Β as soon as possible, Pacheco said.
Rabies is transmitted to humans and pets through direct physical contact, like a bite or scratch. It might take weeks to years for a person to show symptoms, and once they develop, the person usually doesn't survive, Pacheco said.
People are advised to protect their pets, not approach wild animals, and to teach their children to stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals.
If a person sees any wildlife acting oddly or on the ground, it's important that they not touch it, but call the Pima Animal Care Center at 724-5900.
