OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – A skunk that bit an Oakland County resident has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oakland County Health Division.
The skunk bit the resident on March 27 and was captured for testing. The rabies results returned positive on Sunday and the exposed resident immediately started prophylactic treatment.
“This rabies case serves as a reminder to all residents that if a person or a pet is exposed to any wild or unknown animal, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical or veterinary attention immediately,” Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzmán said.
Rabies is a virus spread through bites and scratches from infected animals that affects the central nervous system. The disease can be fatal but is preventable with prompt medical treatment.
Skunks and bats are the most likely animals to carry rabies in Michigan, according to the press release. Post-exposure treatment consists of wound care, human rabies immune globulin and a series of four to five vaccines.
The Health Division recommends having pets vaccinated regularly against rabies and keeping them indoors or supervised when outside. Residents should not handle stray, wild or dead animals and should teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals.
“We recommend avoiding contact with wild or stray animals,” Guzmán said.