Skunk Found In Morrison Tests Positive For Rabies

MORRISON, CO — A skunk found in Morrison has tested positive for rabies, according to Jefferson County Public Health. The rabid skunk was found in Jeffco Open Space's Meyer Ranch Park on Friday, July 12, health officials said.

"If you came in contact with the skunk, you are at risk of being exposed to rabies," health officials said in a statement. "Contact your medical provider as soon as possible to receive immediate medical treatment."

Jefferson County Public Health offered the following tips for preventing the spread of rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs, ferrets and valuable livestock.
• Don't let your pets to roam free.
• Contact animal control if you find a dead bat or skunk, if you find a bat or skunk behaving strangely or if you or your pet are bitten by any animal.
• Wear gloves to clean up your pet after a wild animal encounter.
• If bitten or scratched by a pet or wild animal, wash wounds with soap and water and call your doctor.

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A bat that was found in Lakewood last month also tested positive for rabies.

Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms, according to the CDC.