OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. \u2013 A skunk has tested positive for rabies after biting a resident in Oakland County.<\/p>\n
Oakland County officials said the resident is getting prophylactic treatment after being bitten by a skunk in the county on March 27. The skunk was captured and tested positive for rabies on March 31.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzm\u00e1n said. \u201cWe recommend avoiding contact with wild or stray animals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oakland County officials did not specify where in the county the person was bitten by the skunk.<\/p>\n
Rabies prevention<\/p>\n
Rabies can be deadly, but it is preventable. It\u2019s a virus that spreads to people and animals through bites and scratches from an infected animal. Rabies affects the central nervous system, which leads to severe brain disease and death without proper medical treatment before the onset of symptoms.<\/p>\n
Skunks and bats are the most likely to carry rabies in Michigan.<\/p>\n
The Oakland County Health Department provided the following steps to protect yourself from rabies:<\/p>\n
Vaccinate pets regularly. This will protect them if they are exposed to animals carrying diseases and prevent them from becoming ill and infecting humans.<\/p>\n
Do not handle stray, dead or wild animals.<\/p>\n
Keep pets indoors, supervise them when outside and always use a leash when walking them to limit their exposure to wild animals.<\/p>\n
Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic.<\/p>\n
Do not leave food or water outside for pets when unattended.<\/p>\n
Keep garbage cans securely covered to keep wild or stray animals away.<\/p>\n
The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center will offer rabies vaccines for dogs for free from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays beginning April 10, with the purchase of a dog license.<\/p>\n
Anyone who may have been exposed to rabies should seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n