Additional reporting by Maren Machles.

3:00PM | The City Managers office sent out a press release Friday saying the first rabid skunk in LA County since 1979 was confirmed to be rabies variant carried by Mexican-free-tailed bats.

While bat-to-mammal transmission is not uncommon, it is not anticipated to be anything more than an isolated incident, said City Health Officer Dr. Mitchell Kushner.

The Mexican-free-tailed bat can be commonly found in Southern California and is considered to be the species of bat most commonly ridden with rabies in the state.

A local woman spotted the skunk in East Long Beach. It was captured by Animal Care Services officers and later brought to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services where it tested positive for rabies.

June 30, 12:00PM | A skunk found in East Long Beach last week tested positive for rabies, officials said.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the animal found on Thursday near the corner of Wentworth Street and Snowden Avenue had tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case in a skunk in LA County since 1979. Bats have tested positive in more recent years.

The skunk was captured by Animal Care Services officers and brought to the LBDHHS Public Health Laboratory for testing. Officials said they are not aware of any human or animal contact with the skunk.

Rabies is a virus that causes a severe brain infestion in mammals and humans that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, officials said. Humans can become infected when bitten by an infected animal or when coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal.

Skunks are generally nocturnal animals but occasionally come out during daylight hours, officials said. Rabid skunks can show symptoms like crusty eyes and noses, disorientation, staggering, excessive salivation and aggressive behavior.

The Health Department and Animal Care Services advise pet owners to take caution to ensure their animals do not become infected. These tips include keeping dogs on a leash while out on walks, avoiding contact with wild animals, not touching sick animals, teach children to never touch unfamiliar animals and wash any wound from an animal bite thoroughly with soap and water. Those bitten by animals should seek medical attention immediately.

For more information on rabies, call Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 or visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies.