The Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) has identified a positive rabies case in a skunk. This is Greene County’s first positive rabies result in 2026. While the exposure risk to the community remains low, SGCHD would like to take this opportunity to remind community members of rabies prevention methods.
Rabies prevention
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. The virus can spread to people and pets through the bites or scratches of infected animals. An infected animal will not always exhibit any obvious symptoms. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies is to keep your distance from wildlife. Pet owners can lower their risk by keeping their pets up to date on rabies vaccines and keeping them away from wild animals.
Rabies is found naturally in some Missouri wildlife—primarily bats and skunks. However, other mammals can test positive for rabies, including domestic species such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. Do not approach animals who appear to be injured, sick, or dead. This is especially true if you see animals during the day who are usually active at night (skunks, raccoons, etc.).
Exposure protocol
If you have been bitten or scratched by any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, do the following:
- Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes
- Using rubbing alcohol or a similar antiseptic to lower the risk of other infections
- Seek urgent medical attention to determine if you need treatment to prevent rabies infection
Rabies treatment is nearly 100% effective if you get it after exposure. It includes wound care, human rabies immune globulin, and a series of rabies vaccines. These vaccines must be given as soon as possible after an exposure.
Additionally, contact Springfield-Greene County Animal Control by filling out the Report Form on our website in the following situations:
- If you see wildlife or unfamiliar animals that appear injured or sick
- If you believe your pet may have come into contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals
- If you see a bat inside your home
In an emergency, always call 911 immediately.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a virus that primarily affects the central nervous system. In both humans and animals, once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
For humans, the time between exposure to the virus and appearance of symptoms can last weeks to months. The first symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, weakness, or discomfort. Severe disease appears within two weeks of the first symptoms. Symptoms of severe disease include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis, and seizures. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that some animals may be uncharacteristically affectionate, exhibit depression, or experience increased sensitivity to light.
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