Rabies precaution issued following raccoon attack in Glynn County

The Georgia Department of Public Health issued a rabies precaution after a Glynn County resident was scratched and bit by raccoon in St. Simons Island.

The raccoon incident reportedly occurred Sunday while the woman was standing hi her driveway in the Island Club area.

The raccoon has not been caught, authorities said Tuesday in a news release.

Due to the actions of the raccoon, it is believed the animal may likely have rabies.

Officials say to stay away wild animals such as raccoons, foxes and bats -- which can carry rabies.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.

 If you are bit by an animal, the health department asks you to seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Environmental Health office at 279-2940.

Below are tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

• Avoid contact with animals you don't know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every year as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn.

Cox Media Group