Silk Hope, NC – A skunk in Chatham County has tested positive for rabies, but no humans were exposed in this incident.
On Wednesday, November 19, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center was alerted to a skunk displaying unusual behavior near the intersection of Silk Hope Liberty Road and Albert Hargrove Road. Animal Resource Officers responded, captured the animal, and submitted it to the State Laboratory of Public Health, which confirmed the rabies infection.
Sheriff Mike Roberson reminded residents to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
“Rabies is a serious disease, but it is preventable,” Sheriff Roberson said. “Even when there is no human exposure, these incidents highlight why it’s important to ensure pets are vaccinated and to avoid contact with wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior.”
The Chatham County Public Health Department continues to work with the Sheriff’s Office to provide guidance to residents on protecting themselves and their pets.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable disease that can spread to both people and pets through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Rabies often starts with flu-like symptoms but worsens within weeks, leading to confusion, hallucinations, and other severe effects on the brain.
According to the Chatham County Public Health Department, most reported cases of rabies occur in wildlife species, like bats, raccoons and foxes. In recent years, multiple wild animals in Chatham County have tested positive for rabies.
Residents who see wildlife acting strangely or unusually aggressive are encouraged to contact Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resources at 919-542-2911.