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Oklahoma officials seek anyone who may have encountered rabid skunk in Elk City
A skunk captured near Great Plains Regional Medical Center on Oct. 15 tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have touched or otherwise encountered it should call the state health department’s epidemiologist-on-call for an exposure assessment.
Health officials are asking people who may have encountered a skunk near Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City to contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health after the animal tested positive for rabies.
The skunk was captured in the area around noon Oct. 15, according to the state and Beckham County health departments. Anyone who may have come into contact with it in the parking lot or nearby should call the state epidemiologist-on-call at 405-426-8710. The line is available 24 hours a day.
Dr. Debra Johnson, regional administrative director for the Beckham County Health Department, said prompt medical evaluation can help determine whether treatment is needed. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal, officials warned.
The virus is most commonly transmitted through bites from infected animals. Health officials advise keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations current and teaching children not to approach wild or stray animals. People who find a dead animal on their property should contact local animal control, and anyone who may have been exposed should seek medical advice.