Lawrenceville woman bitten by rabid fox marks 7th confirmed case in Gwinnett

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement officials Tuesday said a woman was bitten by a rabid fox outside of a Lawrenceville auto repair shop last Saturday.

 

The woman was bitten on the toe, according to the county.

 

"The fox attempted to attack other customers but was killed at the scene by bystanders," officials stated on the county's website.

 

The case is the fourth time in a month a report of a rabid fox has been filed in Gwinnett County. There was one other incident of a person being bitten by a rabid fox. That also happened in Lawrenceville.  Saturday's incident on Cripple Creek Drive is the seventh confirmed rabies case in the county in 2017.

 

"The fox was killed at the scene and tissue samples that were sent to the state lab tested positive for rabies on June 12," officials said in a media release.  "Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement officials believe there are numerous fox dens in that area."

 

Officials with the animal welfare and Gwinnett County Health Department urged residents to be careful and avoid animals with unusual behavior.  Pet owners should ensure their animals are current on rabies vaccinations, according to the release.

 

"If you or your child have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals, or if you know of anyone handling an animal possibly infected with rabies, scrub the wound with antiseptic soap and water, flush the wound, and seek immediate medical attention," officials stated.  "If possible, the animal should be captured and tested."

 

 

 

Additional information:

 

What does a rabid animal look like?

Rabid animals may act tame. They may also display strange or unusual behavior. They may act aggressive, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, or have trouble moving or move in a stiff, odd way. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife. Report any animal acting unusually to Gwinnett County Police Animal Welfare and Enforcement at 770.513.5700.

 

How can I help protect myself and my family from rabies?

• Make sure your pets get their rabies shots regularly.
• Keep your pets on your property.
• Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals.
• Stay away from wild, sick, hurt, or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or hurt animals. If you find a wild, sick, or hurt animal, call Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement at 770.513.5700 or 770.339.3200.
• Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes as pets. It is dangerous and also illegal.
• Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats.

 

Free rabies vaccinations

Animal Welfare and Enforcement is partnering with Planned Pethood, Animal Alliance of Georgia and Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation to offer free rabies vaccinations while supplies last on Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Best Friend Park, Jessie Marie Scott Pavilion, located at 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross. Additional low-cost vaccinations will be available.

 

Source:  Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement