Colorado’s first case of rabies this year found in Je erson County

BY ANDREW FRAIELI AFRAIELI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

is year’s rst rabid animal for the entire state was found in Je erson County, in Morrison near West Belleview and Quincy Avenues. Jeffco Public Health announced that a skunk tested positive for rabies from an interaction at a private home on Jan. 2.

“While rabies cases are most frequently seen in warmer months, historically, Colorado does see some cases all year long,” Rachel Reichardt, environmental health specialist, said in a statement. “Last year in Je erson County, there were 15 animals that tested positive for rabies, including eight skunks and seven bats.”

Rabies is transferred through the saliva of infected animals — most often bats and skunks in Colorado — if it comes in contact with a person or animal’s eyes, nose, mouth or open wounds. e virus itself a ects the nervous system and is considered fatal if not treated immediately, according to JCPH.

As precautions, the JCPH suggests vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus, avoiding contact with wild animals — especially any acting unusually, teaching children to stay away from wild animals, strays or dead animals and if a person is bitten, to wash with soap and water and immediately seek medical attention.