Cancún authorities confirm rabies in gray fox after child scratched

Health authorities in Quintana Roo have confirmed that a gray fox captured in Cancún was infected with the rabies virus. The animal was located on October 3 in the parking lot of a Bodega Aurrera supermarket on Kabah Avenue.

During the encounter, a one-year-old girl suffered a scratch on her finger. She received immediate medical attention and preventive anti-rabies vaccinations; authorities report she is in good health. Following the incident, the fox was captured in coordination with the Institute of Biodiversity and Natural Protected Areas of Quintana Roo (IBANQROO) and subsequently euthanized to allow for specialized laboratory testing. The State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of the Lyssavirus.

Health officials have activated epidemiological surveillance protocols and are urgently seeking individuals or pet owners who may have had direct physical contact with the fox or whose pets interacted with it. To date, there are no recorded cases of human rabies in the state related to this event. Authorities advise the public to avoid contact with wildlife and to report any sightings of wild animals in urban areas.