Tuolumne County Reports Three New Rabies Cases in Skunks, Urges Vigilance
In Tuolumne County, California, three additional skunks have tested positive for rabies, following two cases reported last month. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office Animal Control and the Public Health Department confirmed the new cases near Sonora High School, Canyonview Drive in Ponderosa Hills, and Pack Trail Road in Cedar Ridge. One dog, which was up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, was exposed to a rabid skunk and received a booster shot the next day. The other two cases had no known contact with humans or pets and were quickly removed. Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is transmitted through bites or saliva. County officials emphasize that the public risk remains low, but they urge continued vigilance, especially among pet owners. Vaccinations for dogs are legally required, and rabies is preventable through vaccination but fatal once symptoms appear. 
