Cancun, Q.R. — The Secretary of Health says they have confirmed a gray fox wandering a Cancun parking lot tested positive for rabies. Since the October 3 incident, authorities say the animal was put down, however, they are asking people who had contact with the fox to come forward.
The animal, a gray fox, was seen wandering among shoppers in a Bodega Aurrera parking lot on the night of October 3, 2026. A young girl who was scratched by the animal was medically treated, which included a rabies vaccine.
Others who may have come into contact with the animal are being asked to contact local authorities.
The Secretaría de Salud de Quintana Roo released a statement Sunday saying “the Quintana Roo Health Secretariat reports that it is maintaining epidemiological surveillance and preventive care measures following the discovery of a gray fox, a wild animal, in the parking lot of the Bodega Aurrera store on Kabah Avenue in Cancun Saturday, October 3.
“On that same day, a one-year-old girl suffered a scratch on her finger; she received immediate medical attention and, as a preventive measure, was administered the rabies vaccine. Protocol dictates immediate protection against potential rabies exposure when dealing with native wildlife.
“The child has remained in perfect health since that day.
“As part of the response protocol and in coordination with the Quintana Roo Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas, the animal was captured and transported to the Animal Control, Assistance, and Zoonosis Center for assessment.
“Specialized testing was required, necessitating euthanasia. Samples were subsequently sent to the State Public Health Laboratory where the presence of the rabies virus (Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) was confirmed.”
State officials confirm there are no known cases of rabies in humans in Quintana Roo.
“It is important to note that there are no recorded cases of rabies in humans in the state. The measures implemented align with established prevention and epidemiological surveillance protocols aimed at protecting public health.”
In their public rabies confirmation, Quintana Roo authorities are urging anyone who had contact with the animal to come forward.
“The Health Secretariat urges anyone who has had physical contact with the animal to seek medical guidance and follow-up. Individuals may contact 911 or 998 888 6640 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“The public is reminded of the importance of avoiding direct contact with any wild animal, refraining from attempting to capture or handle them, and reporting their presence in urban areas to the appropriate authorities.”
The animal was videoed by shoppers at a parking lot on Kabah Avenue where it was seen wandering in between shopping carts and people going in and out of the store.
The fox tested positive for rabies and has since been euthanized.
