A fox that bit a congressman and at least eight other people outside the US Capitol has tested positive for rabies.
Congressman Ami Bera was bitten on Monday night after feeling something lunge at him from behind as he walked near one of the Senate office buildings.evening.
He turned and used his umbrella to fend off what he thought would be a small dog, but he soon realised he was tangling with a fox.
Mr Bera said the encounter lasted about 15 seconds.
A bystander yelled to alert others and the fox fled as US Capitol Police officers ran up on the scene.
He said he went to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he had the first of a series of four rabies shots.
“I would say it’s the most unusual day on the Hill in 10 years,” Bera said of his experience.
Police managed to catch the fox on Tuesday after several further reports of attacks around Senate office buildings.
It was humanely euthanised so officials could undertake a rabies test, city health officials said. The test has since come back positive.
All those who were bitten are being contacted by health officials.
Rabies can be fatal if left untreated. Animal control officials said they would put leaflets around the US Capitol, encouraging people who may have been exposed to seek medical assistance.
