ROANOKE, VA (LOOTPRESS) – Health officials with the Virginia Department of Health have confirmed a case of rabies in the Roanoke area after a skunk tested positive for the disease.
The case was reportedly present in the area of York Road in Southwest Roanoke and the skunk in question was collected on October 24, 2024.
Officials with the Roanoke City and Allegheny Health District made the public aware of the situation on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Those who have made contact with the animal in question or know of anyone else who has have been urged to contact the RCAHD Environmental Health Division or Craig County Animal Control.
A deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system, rabies is preventable but is fatal to both humans and animals if a case goes untreated.
Health officials urge all individuals to avoid contact with wild and domestic animals with which one is unfamiliar, vaccinate all domestic cats, ferrets, and dogs against rabies, and call a doctor immediately upon potential exposure to an animal carrying rabies.
The Roanoke City and Allegheny Health District Environmental Health Division can be reached at (540) 204-9764. Additional information on the active case of rabies involving the aforementioned skunk, as well as additional information pertaining to rabies precautions and prevention can be found at the Virginia Department of Health website.
