State Health Officials Issue Rabies Warning

State health officials have issued a warning reminding people to be aware of the presence and danger of rabies.

A press release from District Two Public Health said that although the occurrence of rabies among humans has declined noticeably over the years, the disease continues among wild animals.

District Two Public Health said incidents of animal rabies in the area are quite common and residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.

According to District Two Public Health Spokesman Dave Palmer, the biggest thing people can do is to maintain current rabies vaccinations for their pets.

“We all have pets,” said Palmer. “We all get attached to them and we do not want to lose them to a disease like rabies, so we want to make sure they get vaccinated and that we keep them current on that vaccination.”

In addition, Palmer said people should always avoid contact with wild animals.

“If you are outside and see an animal that is hurt, you do not want to bother it, just let it go on its way, even if it is injured,” said Palmer. “Wild animals carry rabies, especially raccoons, skunks, foxes, they are the main ones that carry it in our area. Now, there are a few coyotes and you want to stay away from them as well.”

Palmer said that includes not feeding or attempting to help a wild animal that appears to be injured.

He explained that is because wildlife remains the most likely potential source of infection for both humans and domestic animals.

“The way rabies is transmitted is a wild animal, let’s say a raccoon, has rabies and it bites a human, the rabies is carried in the saliva and the saliva would pass to the human through the bite wound,” said Palmer.

When a human or animal is infected with rabies, the virus enters the central nervous system of the host causing an inflammation of the brain.

Palmer said that if a human comes in contact with rabies, prompt medical attention is required.

“There is a treatment, it is a series of shots,” said Palmer.

Without prompt medical attention, rabies is almost always fatal.

For more information about rabies, ask your veterinarian, a local health department, or go online to dph.georgia.gov/rabies.