Uptick in rabies cases in animals across Berrien County

BENTON HARBOR, Mich – Berrien County Health Department officials confirm that there has been an increase of animals infected with the rabies virus in the area.

Medical professionals say the potentially deadly rabies virus increased sharply across the state.

“In 2017 there were 38 cases of rabies in animals in Michigan including 35 bats two skunks and one cat. What we ae seeing now in 2018 we’ve had 22 total animals test positive in the state of Michigan. This time last year in 2017 we had nine” said Berrien County Health Department Epidemiologist Guy Miller.

Bites from Bats, raccoons, skunks and stray cats are most likely to infect humans and health officials say it should be taken seriously.

Berrien County Health Department Epidemiologist Guy Miller says prevention is key.

“Prevention of rabies starts by pretty much making sure your house is wildlife proof and making sure it is sealed off and that there’s no way that a bat or wild animal can come into your home” Miller said.

Berrien County Health Department officials said they are monitoring this situation to try to stop the spread of the disease.