Skunk tests positive for rabies in southwest Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department on Monday confirmed a positive case of rabies in its district.

According to the health department, the positive test came from a skunk in Chase County.

“Animals are out and about now that the weather is warmer, and animal moms may be very protective of new babies,” Melissa Propp, the health department’s manager, said in a press release. “If you see a wild animal or an animal you do not know, give it plenty of space and admire it from a distance. This will help keep you and the animal safe.”

Skunks are one of the most common carriers of rabies in southwest Nebraska, the department said.

In skunks, as in other warm-blooded animals, rabies is a severe and rapidly progressing neurological disease.

It spreads through saliva or spit, most commonly through contact with an infected wild animal.

Rabies should be suspected in all animals that show a sudden, unexpected change in behavior, such as animals normally active at night being seen during the day.

Signs of rabies in animals may include:

• Increased aggression
• Odd behavior changes, nervousness, irritability
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Excessive drooling

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is a medical emergency.

Any person with a suspected exposure should wash their wound with soap and water and seek medical attention from a health care professional immediately.