Gwinnett County: Public advisory announced after rabid raccoon bites Lilburn resident

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett County officials are advising residents to be alert for animals displaying odd behavior in the Lilburn area, after a raccoon bit a resident on Sept. 23.

The raccoon that bit the resident near Catamount Way tested positive for rabies.  The victim received immediate medical attention, authorities said.

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health are warning residents to be aware of not only wildlife but pets that may be acting oddly or aggressively.

Diseases such as rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons, officials said.

All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination, authorities said.

The National Association of State Health Veterinarians said that unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans, if untreated.

Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by any stray animal or suspected rabid animal should seek immediate medical care and inform the healthcare provider of the exposure and then contact GNR Public Health at 770-339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

To report an animal behaving in an unusual way and have it picked up, call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200, ext. 5576.