EL PASO COUNTY — El Paso County Public Health is reminding residents and pet owners to be aware of wild or stray animals in their area after a skunk recently tested positive for rabies.
It's the third positive rabies test in El Paso County this year.
Rabies is more common in summer months, and EPCPH is urging residents to keep their pets up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, and remember to never touch or feed wild or stray animals.
Rabies affects the brain and central nervous system of infected animals, causing brain swelling and damage, and spreads primarily through the bite of infected animals and through infected saliva.
Preventive vaccination is available for people who know or suspect they were bitten by a rabid animal. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal should contact their doctor right away.
You can report bites at the animal bite portal on the EPCPH website.
