10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 11:21
A Sacramento Zoo visitor was bitten by a skunk on Oct. 15, 2024. The skunk was behaving aggressively. Sacramento Zoo officials captured and euthanized three skunks within the area after the incident and submitted them to the Sacramento County Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing. On Oct. 17, 2024, confirmation was received that two of the three skunks tested positive for rabies.
Sacramento Zoo officials captured and euthanized a fourth skunk on Oct. 17, 2024. That skunk will be sent for rabies testing.
Rabies is a severe infection of the nervous system caused by a virus that is most often transmitted through the bite from an infected animal. Rabies can infect all mammals, including humans. Preventative treatment is available for humans after exposure but must be started promptly. Once clinical signs of rabies are seen, the disease is almost always fatal. If you are bitten by an animal believed to have rabies, contact Sacramento County at 3-1-1 or (916) 875-4311.
With Land Park having popular destination for families, such as the Sacramento Zoo, visitors should take these steps to minimize exposure to rabies: