DeKalb County Georgia. Source: Google Maps.

DeKalb County says it has confirmed another reported case of rabies.

“On Sept. 1, 2018, a raccoon was captured in the 1100 block of North Carter Road and later tested positive for rabies,” a press release from the county says. “This year, there have been 12 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. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases each year.”

The news follows a similar case confirmed in August.

“Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans,” the press release says. “Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, residents are advised to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior occurs. Wild animal trapping will only occur if a domestic pet or person has been bitten or scratched.”

The county says rabies affects the brain and is passed from animal to animal, but can be passed to people.

“The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a bite of an animal that has the disease. Vaccinations are effective in protecting humans and pets from the virus,” the county says. “Residents are responsible for vaccinating pets every year and registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control. 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.”

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