Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and the Gwinnett County Health Department recently advised residents to use caution and avoid animals acting abnormally.
Gwinnett County officials said a fox near the block of Wayside Court in Lilburn tested positive for rabies after biting a resident on Monday.
Pet owners are advised to ensure all animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released, according to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians.
The CDC said the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
“If you or your child have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or suspected rabid animal, immediate preventive treatment is necessary,” county officials said in a press release.
Officials advise to seek medical care immediately and inform the healthcare provider of the exposure. Then, contact the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.
To report the animal and have it picked up, please call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576.
