A toddler was bitten by a rabid raccoon on Friday in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett County authorities said the two-year-old child was trying to pet the animal near Brooks Road in Dacula.
The raccoon was taken to a lab where it later tested positive for rabies.
Authorities advise caution around wild animals as the rabies virus can be transmitted to humans through bites and scratches.
“The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated,” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The following tips may help you protect yourself and your family from rabies:
- Ensure your pets receive regular rabies vaccinations.
- Keep your pets on your property.
- Avoid leaving garbage or pet food outside; it may attract wild or stray animals.
- Report any animal acting unusually to Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. They may display strange or unusual behavior. They may also act aggressively, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, have trouble moving, or move in a stiff, odd way. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife.
- Stay away from wild, sick, hurt or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or hurt animals.
- Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes as pets; it is dangerous and illegal.
- Educate your children about the importance of not approaching, teasing or playing with wild animals or strange dogs and cats.
The condition of the toddler is unclear at this time.
