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Skunk in the Kootenay Lake Region Tests Positive for Rabies
Health officials say people and pets may have been exposed, and some residents have already been assessed and treated.
On Thursday, Interior Health confirmed a skunk in the Kootenay Lake region tested positive for rabies, prompting regional health warnings.
The skunk is believed to have been infectious between Aug. 15 and Sept. 4, leading health officials to urge anyone with potential contact to seek immediate medical assessment.
Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then seek care at a clinic or call HealthLinkBC at 811.
Pets exposed to the skunk require veterinary assessment; owners should vaccinate all pets against rabies and keep them away from wild animals.
To report wild animals acting abnormally, residents should contact the BC RAPP line at 1-877-952-RAPP ; bats remain the only known rabies reservoirs in the region.