Franklin
\nCounty officials reported its 10th\u00a0 confirmed animal rabies case of the year. <\/p>\n
On
\nWednesday, staff with Franklin County Animal Services said they have been
\nworking to make sure infected animals are managed safely, and that the
\ncommunity is aware of positive cases in the area. Officials said they work
\nclosely with Franklin County Health Department to make sure rules for
\nquarantining and isolation of animals are being closely followed. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve
\nalready doubled the number of confirmed rabies cases in Franklin County this
\nyear, more than all of 2024, and this season is not even close to being over,\u201d
\nsaid Scott LaVigne, Franklin County Health Director. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Six
\nof the 10 cases involved skunks, which has been consistent with previous years. Officials said this year has also
\nincluded two raccoons, one fox and a bat. <\/p>\n
Anyone
\nthat comes into contact with an infected animal or believes they have been
\nexposed should seek medical attention right away. <\/p>\n
\u201cRabies
\nis nearly 100% fatal in humans once you show symptoms of infection, so we
\nstrictly follow the guidelines,\u201d LaVigne said. \u201cToday, a series of four to five shots is
\nsufficient to prevent rabies in people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pet
\nowners should also protect their furry loved ones by making sure they are up to
\ndate with their rabies vaccine. <\/p>\n
\u201cIn
\nnearly every rabies case this year, where domestic animals were exposed, some
\npets had never had a rabies shot,\u201d said Jerry Jones, Interim Animal Services
\nManager. \u201cThat\u2019s a conversation no one wants to have with a family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials
\noffered tips to best limit pet\u2019s exposure to rabies:<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tVaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.Keep pets inside. Supervise pets outside and keep dogs on a leash.Do not feed pets outside. Pet food and mulch attract wildlife.Do not feed wildlife, feral cats, or feral dogs.Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.<\/p>\n