SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Multiple skunks have tested positive for rabies after a Sacramento Zoo visitor was bitten by a skunk “behaving aggressively” Oct.15, according to Sacramento County officials.
After the bite, zoo officials captured and euthanized three skunks. Two of them tested positive for rabies at the Sacramento County Public Health Laboratory. The county says a fourth skunk has been sent for testing and results are pending.
Rabies is a severe disease transmitted through bites by infected animals. It can affect all mammals including humans, county health officials say.
Preventative treatment for rabies is available, however, treatment needs to be started right away. The county says once clinical signs of rabies are seen, it is almost always fatal.
According to Sacramento County's public health officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye, the visitor bitten by the skunk is "doing well" and received vaccine treatment right away.
Anyone bitten by an animal they believe has rabies should call 311 or (916) 875-4311.
The county has also issued the following precautions for people to lower the risk of exposure to rabies:
Avoid contact with wild animals; call animal control if you see sick or injured wildlife
Report unusual behavior of wildlife or domestic animals (e.g., stumbling, seizures, aggressiveness) to local animal control
Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water and seek medical attention
