Several animals have tested positive for rabies, and several people have been exposed, in Utica, Vienna and possibly Camden, according to the Oneida County Health Department.

• A fox in the City of Utica has tested positive for rabies after two people were exposed, officials said.

• A bat in the Town of Vienna has tested positive for rabies after one person was exposed, officials stated.

• A separate fox in the Town of Camden is believed to have been infected with rabies after two people were exposed, officials warned. The test results on the Camden fox are still pending.

All the people who were exposed to these animals have received post-exposure treatment. The testing was conducted this week at the state Department of Health Wadsworth Center.

Rabies is transmitted from an infected animal to a human through the infected animal’s saliva. Rabies is deadly. It is deadly to both animals and people who are infected, but it is also preventable.

County health department officials said there are steps that everyone can take to protect their families and pets from rabies.

•Vaccinate your pets. The county Health Department offers rabies vaccination clinics for pets throughout the year.

The next clinic is scheduled for July 26 at the Vienna Town Garage. To make an appointment, check the county website at www.OCGov.net/health or by calling 315-798-5064.

• Stay away from animals that are acting unusual such as animals who get close or are acting tamer than you would expect;

• Also, stay away from animals that are overly aggressive as they may also be rabid, officials said.

• Avoid animals that are having trouble moving or paralyzed, drooling or foaming at the mouth and bats who are on the ground. These are all also signs of potential rabies infection.

Call animal control if you see an animal that you believe may be in need.

Do not approach stray animals, even if they are cute and seem harmless.

Although the majority of bats are not rabid, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 7 out of 10 Americans who die from rabies in the United States were infected by a bat. Bat bites can be very small and not visible, so if you find a bat in your home, contact your healthcare provider and health department.