Rabid Skunk Bites Person In Oakland County

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A rabid skunk bit a person in Oakland County last month, according to the county health officials.

Health officials said the incident happened on March 27 but did not specify exactly where it occurred. They said the skunk tested positive for rabies on March 31.

The person who was bitten by the skunk sought immediate treatment, health officials said.

"This 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," Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman said. "We recommend avoiding contact with wild or stray animals."

Rabies is a virus that is spread to people and animals through bites and scratches of an infected animal.

The virus, which can be fatal, affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before the onset of symptoms.

Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to rabies to urgently seek medical attention.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (preventive treatment after a bite or scratch) consists of wound care, human rabies immune globulin and a series of four to five vaccines.

While the disease is rare in humans, there is still a risk of infection from a rabid animal. Skunks and bats are the most likely to carry rabies in Michigan.

Health officials offered these steps to protect yourself from 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, supervise when outside, and always use a leash when walking to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not leave food or water outside for pets when unattended.
• Keep garbage cans securely covered, as contents may attract wild or stray animals.

The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center will begin offering free rabies vaccines for dogs (with the purchase of a dog license) on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon starting on April 10.