Rabid fox bites resident in Gwinnett County, health department says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A rabid fox bit a Gwinnett County resident on Monday, according to the county’s health department.

The fox, which was found along Wayside Court in Lilburn, tested positive after the bite.

Carlos Reyes captured video of the animal inside of the family-owned Reyes Countertops’ in Lilburn.

“When I took a look it was a baby fox or a coyote I didn’t know at the time. Its face was messed up,” said Reyes.

Reyes said it appeared to be injured and helpless. So he immediately called Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement.

Soon after discovering the animal, he learned that just a couple doors down at another business, a rabid fox bit someone.

“I heard that he got 13 shots to the stomach for the rabies,” said Reyes. Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement said the fox tested positive for rabies after biting that person. “Supposedly once you start getting symptoms that is when it’s over for the person.”

Rabies, which is almost always fatal in humans if left untreated, can be transmitted to people or animals through bites and scratches. The virus attacks the nervous system, starting with a fever and headaches and escalating into seizures and hallucinations.

The department did not comment on the bitten person’s condition.

Reyes said he often sees either foxes or coyotes behind the family business, and he is now reminded to think twice before approaching.

“Well we are probably going to be more careful when we go to the back now. Now that we know that they are there, and they have rabies, at least that one did have rabies,” he said.

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If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by a stray or suspected rabid animal, seek medical treatment immediately, the department said. Afterward, call the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

You can also call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576 to report the animal and have it picked up.

Pets should be up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Unvaccinated dogs or cats who come into contact with a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months.