DeKalb rabies cases total six so far

DeKalb County officials are reporting the capture of a second raccoon confirmed with rabies within two days. The most recent incident occurred on April 8 in the 4500 block of North Peachtree Road in Dunwoody.

Two days earlier, on April 6, a raccoon was retrieved from the 3100 block of Albatross Lane in Decatur and it later tested positive for rabies as well.

This year, there have been six positive raccoon rabies incidents in the county including Dunwoody, Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates and Lithonia.  Georgia is a rabies endemic state and the virus is present all year long, officials say.

Rabies is usually passed from animal to animal but can be passed from animals to human beings. The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a bite of an animal that has the disease, which affects the brain.

Residents should make sure pets have current preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations.  Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, residents are advised to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior occurs.

For more information or to report any animal bite, contact DeKalb County Animal Control at 404-294-2996, press and select option 2 from the menu.