SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A bat found in a Snellville home has tested positive for rabies. Local health and animal control officials are warning residents to avoid wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior.
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Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health issued the safety warning after the bat was discovered inside a residence near Stockton Walk Lane.
The dead bat was discovered inside the home on Aug. 28.
Rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals, including bats and foxes. Health officials advise pet owners to ensure all domestic animals are current on their rabies vaccinations.
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According to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to release.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated.
Early symptoms in humans include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
Health officials advise anyone bitten or scratched by a stray or suspected rabid animal to seek immediate medical treatment and inform their health care provider of the exposure.
Individuals should then contact GNR Public Health at 770-339-4260 to speak with an on-call epidemiologist.
To report an animal exhibiting unusual behavior or to request animal pickup, residents can contact the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200, extension 5576.
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