The Arizona Department of Health Services is warning residents about a statewide rise in rabies cases.

There have been 77 rabid animal cases reported through the end of May. That’s compared to 54 for the same period last year. 

“We do know that there is an outbreak of rabies, however, happening among animals- particularly foxes and skunks- in the southern and southeastern parts of Arizona and so that could be driving up our numbers,” said Jessica Rigler of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Rabies is a virus spread by contact with saliva from an infected animal and can be fatal.