The Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Division and the Gwinnett County Health Department are advising residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways after three people were attacked by a rabid cat on the 500 block of Sunset Drive in Norcross. In March, a rabid raccoon was caught near Lawrenceville.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, principal carriers of rabies are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. In 2016, seven rabies cases were confirmed in animals in Gwinnett County, four in 2015 and 12 in 2014.
All pet owners should ensure their pets are current on their rabies vaccination.
Rabies can be transmitted from an infected animal to humans through a bite or scratch. If attacked, scrub the wound with antiseptic soap and water, flush the wound, and seek immediate medical attention. Without treatment, rabies infection in humans is nearly 100 percent fatal. The Gwinnett County Health Department is available to answer questions bout rabies in humans at 770-339-4260.
If possible, animals exhibiting unusual behavior or who have bitten or scratched anyone, should be captured and tested. Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office: 770-339-3200 ext. 5576, or after-hours non-emergency dispatch: 770-513-5700. Additional information: www.tinyurl.com/mx8ogpx.
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