(WWJ) The Oakland County Health Department is again urging residents to take precautions against rabies.
The fresh warning came Friday, as officials said two additional skunks, one in Southfield and one in Troy, have tested positive for rabies.
That brings the total to three in the county after a case of rabies was confirmed in a dead skunk in Southfield last week.
To stay safe, residents are urged to keep away from skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, stray cats and stray dogs. And if you see wild animal behaving strangely, call your local animal control office for help.
"Rabies is present in our communities," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. "Avoid contact with all wild animals and get your pets vaccinated."
If you or your household pet is bitten by any wild animal or an animal unknown to you, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
If a human has been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, disease prevention includes rabies vaccines which are effective. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread through bites or scratches. Note that rabies is not spread through a skunk's spray.
Follow these simple steps to protect against rabies:
- Have pets vaccinated regularly. This will protect them if exposed to animals with the disease and prevent them from becoming ill and infecting humans.
- Do not handle stray, wild, or dead animals.
- Keep pets indoors or supervised to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
- Use a leash when walking dogs or keep them in a fenced-in yard.
- Do not leave food or water outside for pets when unattended.
- Call local animal control experts for help if an animal is acting strangely, including:
- Having problems swallowing
- Exhibiting lots of drool or saliva
- Appearing tamer than you would expect
- Biting at everything
- Having trouble moving or is paralyzed
- Keep garbage securely covered, as these items may attract wild or stray animals.
So far in 2019, rabies has been confirmed in four bats and six skunks in Oakland County. The warmer weather months create opportunities for outdoor activities in Michigan and increases the chance of wildlife encounters with humans or pets, health officials say.
More information about rabies can be found at oakgov.com/health or by contacting 'Nurse on Call' at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com during normal business hours.
To report an animal bite, call the Health Division at 248-858-1286.
