(Ithaca, N.Y., October 19, 2022) – The Tompkins County Health Department would like to thank all media outlets that published or broadcast our press release dated October 18, 2022, regarding a person who had been bitten by a skunk on N. Plain Street, Ithaca. The reports, along with the community’s help, allowed the Health Department to resolve the issue.
The Health Department was able to locate the person who had been bitten by the skunk and assist with initiating their rabies treatment. TCHD would like to extend additional thanks to our community partners at Guthrie at Ithaca City Harbor for recognizing the exposure case and to REACH Medical for additional assistance.
The Health Department reminds everyone to:
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
- All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current!
- Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 607-274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches. If you are bitten by cat or dog, be sure to obtain owner’s contact information.
- Any human or pet contact with saliva or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.
Further information can be found at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/rabies.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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