Pontiac, MI - Oakland County Health Division reports a confirmed animal rabies case in a skunk in Lake Orion. Human exposure to the skunk is unlikely. The Health Division strongly urges residents to avoid stray, wild, and dead animals to protect yourself against rabies.
“Rabies is a fatal disease and there is no known cure.” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “People and their pets are urged to avoid encounters with unfamiliar animals, and keep pets protected by getting them vaccinated.”
Rabies is present in our communities and is most often found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. If you or your household pet are exposed to any wild animal or an animal unknown to you, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Then seek medical or veterinary attention immediately, even if your animal was previously vaccinated. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread through bites or scratches. Rabies is not spread through a skunk’s spray. To report potential rabies exposure, call the Health Division at 248-858-1286.
Follow these simple steps to protect yourself from rabies:
- Have pets vaccinated regularly.
- 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.
- Do not leave food or water outside for pets when unattended.
- Keep garbage securely covered, as these items may attract wild or stray animals.