Rabies Detected In DeKalb County, Stray Dog Tests Positive

DECATUR, GA — County health officials on Wednesday confirmed that a stray dog captured in Decatur on Sunday later tested positive for rabies.

According to a DeKalb County alert, a stray chihuahua was captured in the Constitution Road area and taken to a shelter. The dog later died in its cage, officials said.

Rabies is a deadly virus that infects the brains of mammals. While rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says other animals like cats, dogs, and livestock can also get rabies if they have not been vaccinated.

Typically, rabid animals show a change in their normal behavior, including unusual aggression or bizarre behavior.

The virus usually is spread to humans through the bite of an infected animal. In humans, early rabies symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.

According to officials, it's not unusual for DeKalb County to identify several rabies cases each year.

Residents should ensure their pets are up to date on vaccinations and eliminate any outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans. Officials said that anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.

Residents should call DeKalb County Animal Control at 404-294-2996 or 404-294-2519 after regular business hours to report a rabid animal or bite.