SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (AP) - Officials have confirmed two new cases of rabies in skunks found in suburban Detroit communities.

Oakland County’s health division says Wednesday that the skunks were in Southfield and Farmington Hills and that rabies has been verified so far this year in eight skunks and four bats in the county.

Several cases of rabies in skunks have been confirmed in Southfield. Other cases also have been confirmed in Rochester Hills and Troy.

Health officials say bats and skunks are the most common carriers of rabies in Michigan. Symptoms in animals include general sickness, swallowing problems and excessive drooling, slow and unusual movement, no apparent fear of humans and aggression.

Rabies can be fatal to humans after symptoms begin to occur. Deaths can be prevented with a vaccine administered immediately after exposure.

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