Lord Fairfax Health District warns residents of rabies risk

Health Department Offers Tips to Stay Safe

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On January 4, 2020, a skunk involved in an altercation with a dog was killed by the dog’s owner and made available to the health department. The event occurred in a rural area off Wilderness Trail, east of Luray. The skunk tested positive for rabies, according to the Lord Fairfax Health District.

 “This skunk no longer poses a threat,” said Lord Fairfax Health District Director Dr. Colin Greene, “however, this case offers a reminder that any contact with a raccoon, fox, skunk or bat that could result in exposure to the animal’s saliva should be considered a potential rabies exposure. This applies to humans and domestic animals, and anyone exposed should receive an immediate medical evaluation.”

 The health department further advises: 

• Never approach or touch wild animals, especially any raccoon, fox, skunk or bat, especially if it is behaving oddly or if it is seen in the daylight. These animals are the main carriers of rabies in the eastern United States.
• Avoid stray cats and dogs. Feral or unknown cats and dogs may also carry rabies. Report any bites or scratches from these animals to your physician or the health department.
• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies (even if they do not go outdoors) and keep their shots up to date. Vaccinate working barn cats as well, for their protection and yours.
• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs. Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
• If a wild animal bites or otherwise interacts with one of your domestic animals, notify the local health department and animal control officer at once, and have the animal seen by a veterinarian.

 If you are bitten, scratched or licked by any of these animals, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is fatal to both animals and humans once symptoms begin, but it can be prevented in humans if they receive vaccine and medication soon after exposure.

 Finally, if in doubt, or if you have a question, call the Page County Health Department at 540-743-6528.

Additional information on rabies is available from the Virginia Department of Health at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/.

The Lord Fairfax Health District serves residents in the city of Winchester and Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren counties. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/.