DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Warm temperatures may seem like a harbinger of impending rabies cases, but as temperatures start dropping, that doesn't mean they go away.
On Tuesday, DeKalb County authorities captured a raccoon in Stone Mountain that later tested positive for the illness. The animal was found in the 4000 block of East Durham Circle.
The raccoon becomes the 14th case of rabies in the species found in DeKalb this year. Cases had already been reported in Dunwoody, Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates and Lithonia.
The disease affects the brain of animals and is usually passed between them but can also spread to people. It's typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal.
DeKalb County officials report that rabies is present all year long and it's not unusual for the county to find multiple cases each year.
But that doesn't make it any less dangerous to people and pets. DeKalb officials are warning residents to get their pets are up-to-date on vaccination. They also recommend eliminating outdoor feeding stations and limiting outdoor access to garbage cans.
In the event that someone is gets bitten or scratched, they should seek medical attention immediately. For pets, owners should pay close attention and watch for unusual behavior in them.
The county will trap wild animals, but only if a pet or person has been bitten or scratched.
For more information or to report a bite, contact DeKalb County Animal Control at 404-294-2996 and then select option two.
