Bat Tests Positive For Rabies In Stone Mountain

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA — A bat that was captured Wednesday at Holly Hedge Road has tested positive for rabies, DeKalb County officials said Thursday.

It is unknown where specifically the bat was found at Holly Hedge. Several rabies cases reported annually are not abnormal for DeKalb County, officials said.

Rabies, a virus that can affect the brain, is passable from animal to animal and can be transmitted from animal to human through saliva - usually from the bite of an infected animal, county officials said.

The following is a list of rabies symptoms, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Weakness or discomfort
• Fever
• Headache.
• Discomfort, prickling or an itching sensation at the site of the bite
• Cerebral dysfunction
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Delirium
• Abnormal behavior
• Hallucinations
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Insomnia

County officials offered the following tips for preventing rabies:

• Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans.

• Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.
• Residents are advised to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior occurs. Wild animal trapping will only occur if a domestic pet or person has been bitten or scratched.

The DeKalb County Animal Control is available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday by calling (404) 294-2996 or after hours by calling (404) 294-2519.