Rabies Alert In Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -  Officers responded to calls concerning two different rabid skunks, and are now alerting the neighborhood on the dangers of rabies.

The skunks were found in the 1700 block of Maxwell and the 200 block of Dewey. The skunks were euthanized and removed for disposal.

Rabies is a virus that infects the brain of humans, domestic and wild animals. It causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, tiredness, trouble swallowing, paralysis, seizure, coma and eventual death.

It may take several weeks (usually two to eight), months, or up to one year to get sick after exposure. This can vary depending upon the size of the wound, amount of nerve supply at the wound, distance from the brain, amount of virus entering the wound and the amount of protective clothing.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals. The virus is spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.

If you are bitten by an animal you suspect to be rabid, clean the wound immediately with soap and warm water; this is the most effective prevention against rabies.

Then, call your doctor or clinic and follow their advice. They may suggest a series of rabies shots and tetanus booster. A rabies vaccine is usually recommended for a wild animal bite, especially from skunk, raccoons, foxes and bats.

As a reminder, if you encounter a suspected rabid animal, immediately contact the Royal Oak Police Department at (248) 246-3500. For more information, visit oakgov.com.