GUYTON – The Effingham County Health Department is alerting residents that a raccoon from the Griffin Lake area of north Guyton has tested positive for rabies. Several species of animals in Georgia can carry rabies, and this is an important reminder to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure your pets get regular rabies shots.
On Oct. 23, a local resident encountered a raccoon that appeared to be sick. The individual contacted the Effingham County Health Department Environmental Health office, and the raccoon was tested for rabies. The individual has been advised to visit their healthcare provider for guidance about post-exposure rabies treatment.
Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals such as wild raccoons, foxes, and bats. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well.
The Effingham County Health Department Environmental Health office has these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
- Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
- Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites or scratches you, seek medical care immediately and contact the Effingham County Humane Enforcement Department of the Sheriff’s Office at 912-754-3449 and the Effingham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office at 912-754-6850.
