More Cases of Rabies Showing Up Across Wichita County

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Story Created: Jun 18, 2009 at 8:45 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2009 at 8:41 AM CST

More rabies cases are popping up all over Wichita County, and now officials are warning of possible human exposures.

A spokesperson with Wichita County Animal Control reported 21 confirmed cases of rabid skunks in Wichita County, as well as 5 people who may have been exposed to the virus. The number of rabies cases in Wichita County has risen at a steady rate this year, and animal control officials have said that they expect the number to climb.

Steve Dodge with Animal Control said, "We're hitting back. I think the last time was 2004 when we had such an influx but this one looks like it's going to go past that." The reason for the rise of rabies cases is difficult to pin down, but officials said construction in the area might be disrupting animals' natural habitats and leading them to move into more populated areas of the city. 

Regarding the potential human exposures to the virus, Dodge said, "Five possible exposures. They handled animals that are known to carry rabies. A momma bat who was deceased but had four live babies and the person in question handled both of them, and the other was three children and their parent handling a live baby skunk."

Officials said the human cases have not been confirmed, but they are being particularly cautious due to the increased number of animal rabies cases. Most new animal cases are as a result of skunks fighting with pets.

"Most of our exposures are coming from dogs going after the skunks and everything. That's where we're finding out about them, and that's what we're testing them for. So, we tell people if your pets get into it with a skunk or go after a skunk, please call us immediately."

Animal control also reminds pet owners to bring pet food inside over night. They say it seems like an inconvienece but this simple action can help keep unwanted animals away from your pets and home.

Saturday, Jun 20 at 2:18 PM Pamela Picard wrote ...

It's important to note that any dog or cat with at least 2 rabies shots has a less than 1 in 8 million chance of contracting rabies if exposed. Pet owners, by contrast, stand a better than 1 in 600,000 chance of being struck by lightning in a thunderstorm.

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