A raccoon that attacked two dogs last week at a Fannin County residence located off Skeenah Gap Road has now tested positive for rabies, according to Monica Hodskins of the Fannin County Environmental Health Department.

Ms Hodskins said, “The dogs killed the raccoon during the attack on May 13, and the raccoon head was sent to the state lab that same afternoon for testing. We received the positive rabies results late in the day last Friday, May 15.”

Gilmer County Environmental Health officials announced today that a fox, which attacked a man at his Roberts Ridge Road home on May 8, has now tested positive for rabies.

“The man was attacked by the fox after he had seen it in his yard earlier that day,” according to Andrea Wheeler, Gilmer County Environmental Health Manager. “He was able to kill the fox during the attack, but the man did suffer some wounds to his hands and arms for which he was immediately treated at the hospital. The fox was shipped off to the state lab for testing on May 12, and the positive rabies results were delivered on May 13.”

Jan Stephens of the Pickens County Environmental Health Department has reported the first case of confirmed rabies in Pickens County this year.

"A fox came out of the woods off Old Jones Mountain Road in Talking Rock last Thursday [May 7] morning at about 9:30 and tried to attack two small dogs in the presence of their owner," Ms. Stephens said. "The dogs killed the fox and the owner reported the incident right away. We immediately shipped off the fox's head to the state lab for rabies testing and received the positive results late on Friday. Fortunately, both dogs involved were current on their rabies vaccinations."Since the dogs were up to date on their shots, they pose no threat to the public and will only need a booster rabies vaccination.

What is a Stroke?

• A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst blood vessel.

What is the Impact of Stroke?

• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States
  • On average someone suffers a stroke every 53 seconds
  • About 600,000 Americans suffer strokes each year
  • Every 3.3 minutes, someone dies of a stroke
  • Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability
  • About 4 million Americans are stroke survivors
  • Stroke costs the U.S. $30 to $40 billion a year

More Facts about Stroke

Related Links:
National Stroke Association
American Stroke Association
American Stroke Association - Power to End Stroke
Six Ways to STOP Stroke Through Risk Factor Management