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The Suffolk Health Department received information March 8 that a skunk tested positive for rabies. 

In this case, a dog fought with a skunk in the Quaker Drive area of Suffolk. Fortunately, the dog was vaccinated against rabies. The dog will receive a rabies booster and will be under a 45-day confinement period as a precaution. 

Exposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as with an animal bite. An animal exposure can be a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Rabies is highly preventable if the vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure, and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated. 

Dr. Nancy Welch, acting health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for Suffolk residents to take in protecting their families and their pets from rabies: 

• If a pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at (757) 514-4751.
• Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously. 
• Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs. 
• Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Consult a veterinarian, Suffolk Animal Control, or the Suffolk Health Department about any questions on pet vaccinations. 
• Confine your pets to their property. 
• Securely seal garbage containers with lids. 

State law requires all dogs and cats four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies. For more information on rabies, contact the Suffolk Health Department at (757) 514-4751, Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855, or visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/rabies/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/rabies.