Rabies detected in dead bat found inside Gwinnett County home

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A dead bat found inside a Gwinnett County home has tested positive for rabies, according to county officials.

The bat was discovered on Aug. 28 at a home near Stockton Walk Lane in Snellville. The county asks residents to be cautious and avoid animals behaving oddly.

Rabies, a virus that attacks the central nervous system, is almost always deadly in humans if they don’t receive medical care before symptoms start. Early symptoms include fever, headache, weakness and discomfort.

Residents should make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccines. Gwinnett officials said unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately. County residents are then asked to call GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

Residents who see an animal behaving unusually should call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at (770) 339-3200, ext. 5576, to have the animal picked up.