Elk City, OK – The Oklahoma State Department of Health and Beckham County Health Department are asking anyone who may have encountered a skunk near Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City to contact health officials after the animal tested positive for rabies.

According to a press release issued Monday, October 19, the skunk was discovered in the parking lot near the hospital's patient intake entrance. The animal was captured around noon on Thursday, October 15, and subsequently tested positive for rabies.

Health officials are urging anyone who may have had contact with a skunk in the parking lot or surrounding area before its capture to call the Oklahoma State Department of Health Epidemiologist-on-Call at 405-426-8710. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We need individuals who may have come into contact with a skunk in this area to call the Epi-On-Call as soon as possible," said Dr. Debra Johnson, Regional Administrative Director for the Beckham County Health Department.

"Rabies is a serious disease that can be deadly, but prompt medical evaluation after a potential exposure can determine whether treatment is needed and help prevent illness," Johnson added.

Rabies is a viral disease primarily transmitted to humans and pets through bites from infected animals. Without timely medical treatment following exposure, the disease can be fatal.

Health officials recommend keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations, avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, and teaching children not to approach unfamiliar animals. Residents should also contact local animal control authorities when encountering injured or dead wildlife.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to rabies should seek medical attention promptly.

For more information about rabies prevention, visit Oklahoma.gov/health.

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