Raccoon Found In DeKalb Had Rabies

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA — A raccoon that was captured earlier this month in DeKalb County has tested positive for rabies, officials said Monday.

The raccoon was captured on March 3 in the 3900 block of Garfield Drive in Stone Mountain, according to DeKalb County Animal Control. Rabies is a disease that affects the brain which is usually passed from animal to animal, but can be passed from animals to people.

The virus is spread through saliva, usually from the bite of an animal that has the disease.

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DeKalb officials are urging anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal to seek medical attention immediately. Residents are advised to watch their pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control

Additionally, residents are advised to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if they exhibit unusual behavior like excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth. Rabies can be prevented by a vaccine.

Residents are responsible for vaccinating their pets every year and registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control. For more information, contact animal control at 404-294- 2996.

Photo via Georgia Department of Agriculture