UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. — Cumberland County has reported its eighth positive rabies case this year.
On Sept. 12, a rabid skunk was found dead in the Upper Deerfield area. Before the time of death, the skunk was out during daylight hours and appeared sick. Symptoms included a wobbly gait and drooling.
The skunk was not afraid of humans or domestic animals. Stray cats may have been bitten by or exposed to the skunk. It is unknown whether humans were exposed to the rabid skunk.
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect humans and animals. The rabies virus is passed in the saliva of an infected animal to an uninfected animal or human when bitten. To prevent the spread of rabies, keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for pets. Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision. Call animal control to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood, since these animals may not be vaccinated or may have rabies.
Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through immediate medical care. The most common way for a human to contract the rabies virus is to be bitten by a dog or cat with the virus. Everyone should avoid animals that act strangely or are wild and overly friendly. Report any suspicious activity by raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, cattle, horses, cats or dogs to your local animal control.
If you would like more information about the rabies virus, please call the Cumberland County Health Department at 327-7602, ext. 1139.