Clinton Officials Warn Residents After Rabies Cases Confirmed

Rabies Cases Rising Across Oklahoma

According to the Oklahoma Department of Health, rabies has been identified in 35 confirmed cases statewide so far this year. While most cases have involved wildlife, officials say unvaccinated pets and livestock remain at serious risk if they come into contact with infected animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, post-exposure treatment is highly effective if given quickly after a potential exposure. This makes early reporting and medical care critical.

What Residents Should Do Regarding Rabies

City officials are urging residents to take extra precautions:

• Vaccinate pets and livestock to prevent spread.

• Avoid contact with wildlife, especially skunks, raccoons, and bats.

• Report unusual behavior in animals, such as aggression, paralysis, or disorientation.

• Seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal.

Rabies can be transmitted not only through bites, but also if saliva from an infected animal enters the body through open cuts or mucous membranes.

A Growing Public Health Concern

Public health experts warn that rabies cases often spike in late summer and fall, when animals are more active and people spend more time outdoors. Clinton leaders say they are working closely with state health officials to monitor the situation and prevent further spread.

“This is a reminder that rabies is not just a rural issue,” one Clinton official said. “It can impact any community, and vaccination is the most important tool we have to protect people and their pets.”

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