Waterford Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies

WATERFORD, CT — Health officials are warning residents to exercise caution after a skunk tested positive for rabies, according to WTNH. The animal was found on North Phillips Street Monday and tested positive for the fatal disease.

Rabies is a viral disease primarily of animals caused by infection of the brain and spinal cord. People can get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. An animal with rabies can also transmit the rabies virus through its saliva, which can come in contact with a person's mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) or can get in open wounds on the skin. It's often spread when saliva from the rabid animal comes into contact with open wounds.

For more information on rabies and the infected skunk, call Ledge Light Health District at 448-4882 or the Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control at 860-442-9451.