First case of rabies in 2026 confirmed by Springfield-Greene County Health Department

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has confirmed the area’s first case of rabies in 2026, a virus that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.

Case linked to skunk after dog bite

Health department spokesperson Anna Kremer said the case was discovered after the agency received a call Monday about a dog that had been bitten by a skunk. The skunk was captured and tested, and the results came back positive for rabies.

“When we have situations like that, our animal control officers like to go out and try to capture the wildlife, so that we can get confirmation as to whether or not the wild animal has rabies,” Kremer said.

Kremer said the family handled the situation appropriately after the bite, and the dog did not contract rabies.

How common is rabies locally?

While any confirmed case can raise alarm, Kremer emphasized that rabies remains rare in the area.

“Last year, we only saw two cases of rabies. Both in animals and both in bats,” she said, adding that’s about average.

Wildlife to watch for

Officials warn that bats, skunks, and raccoons are among the most common rabies carriers in southwest Missouri. Residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife and report animals behaving unusually to local animal control.

Vaccination is key — and required

Pet owner Lori Huggins said the news is unsettling. “I think that’s very scary, and people definitely need to make sure to get their pets vaccinated so that we don’t have that problem,” Huggins said.

Dr. Philip Brown with The Animal Care Center said rarity is not a reason to relax precautions and stressed that vaccination is the only proven protection for pets.

“Of course, it’s a state law that your animals are vaccinated, and the requirement is that your pet be vaccinated for rabies. Do all people do that? No,” Brown said.

Brown added that failing to vaccinate can result in misdemeanor charges and can create risk for others. He described a recent incident involving a stray dog brought in by a good Samaritan that bit a staff member, triggering a potential exposure response.

What to do if you’re bitten

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal and rabies is a concern, health officials say it is a medical emergency. Contact your primary care provider or go to the emergency room as soon as possible, because treatment should begin quickly.

Kremer said post-exposure treatment is proven to be 100% effective when administered properly and in time.

A reminder from pet owners

Huggins said she isn’t taking any chances.

“My dog is absolutely vaccinated, and we keep up on the vaccinations. People, please take your animals and get them vaccinated,” Huggins said.

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