NORCROSS, Ga. -- A rabid raccoon was captured at a park in Norcross on Friday, prompting health officials to warn people to stay away from animals that exhibit “strange or unusual behavior.”
Park workers found the raccoon at Graves Park, located at 1540 Graves Road. Officials said the animal was acting strangely and later tested positive for rabies.
The number of confirmed rabies cases continues to climb across Georgia. At least 11 raccoons have tested positive for rabies in DeKalb County this year, according to DeKalb Animal Control.
Twelve rabies cases were confirmed in Gwinnett County in 2017, according to health officials.
Animals at high risk for the rabies virus include insect-eating bats and wild carnivores, including raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system in humans and can be fatal if untreated.
Symptoms of rabies in people
- Fever
- Headache
- General weakness, discomfort
What to do if you’ve been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal
- Immediately seek medical attention
- Report the incident to Health Department officials
- Attempt to catch the rabid animal if possible but stay away from unknown animals – especially wildlife.
- Call Gwinnett County Animal Welfare Bite Office at 770-33903200, ext. 5576, or call the dispatch non-emergency number at 770-513-5700
What does a rabid animal look like?
- Rabid animals may appear tame, but display strange or unusual behavior
- Aggressive actions
- Avoid food or water
- Foaming at the mouth
- Have trouble moving in a stiff, odd way
How to protect your pets from rabies
- Make sure your pets get rabies shots regularly
- Keep pets on your property
- Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals
- Stay away from wild, sick, hurt or dead animals.
- Do not pick up a sick or hurt animal – call Gwinnett Animal Welfare at 770-513-5700, or 770-339-3200.
- Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes as pets
- Teach children not to go near wild animals, or play with strange dogs or cats
According to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months, and vaccinated one month before being released.
Where to get free rabies vaccinations
Gwinnett Animal Welfare is partnering with Animal Alliance of Georgia, Canine Pet Rescue, Society of Humane Friends of Georgia and Live Healthy Gwinnett to offer free rabies vaccinations on Sept. 29, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pinckneyville Park at 4758 S. Old Peachtree Road, Peachtree Corners
