Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Guyton
Effingham County Health Department urges nearby residents to be careful.
The Effingham County Health Department is warning residents near Lake Griffin north of Guyton to be careful after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. On October 23, a resident in the area encountered a raccoon that appeared to be sick and contacted the county health department. The raccoon was found and tested for rabies, which came back positive. Residents were advised to visit a health care provider for post-exposure treatment. Rabies is a deadly virus that primarily affects wild animals, but it can also be transmitted by stray cats and dogs. If you see an animal that appears to be sick, contact your local health department. The Effingham County Health Department Environmental Health Office offers tips to protect you and your family from rabies. Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. Pets have appropriate vaccinations. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies after 12 weeks of age, with a booster within one year, and every one to three years, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation and the vaccine used. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wildlife with open garbage. Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not attempt to nurse a sick animal back to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance. Teach your children to never touch unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your animals and leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
GUYTON, GA —
The Effingham County Health Department is warning residents near Lake Griffin north of Guyton to be careful after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.
On October 23, a resident in the area encountered a raccoon that appeared to be sick and contacted the county health department. The raccoon was found and tested for rabies, which came back positive. Residents were advised to visit their health care provider for post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is a deadly virus that primarily affects wild animals, but it can also be transmitted by stray cats and dogs. If you find an animal that appears to be sick, contact your local health department.
The Effingham County Health Department Environmental Health Division offers tips to protect you and your family from rabies.
Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and make sure your pet has the proper vaccinations. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies after 12 weeks of age, with a booster within one year, and every one to three years, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation and the vaccine used. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wildlife with open trash. Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not attempt to nurse a sick animal back to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance. Teach your children to never touch unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your animals and leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.