Health officials warn residents to be wary, take precautions

Jasper, GA – A rabid raccoon recently attacked a woman as she was getting into her car in the Bent Tree Community of Jasper, Georgia.

On the morning of February 22nd, the woman had walked from her house to her car, when the raccoon came out from underneath the vehicle and started biting her leg. The woman kicked the raccoon in the head, stunning it. She was then aided by the property security guard in killing the aggressive animal.

Pickens County Environmental Health officials submitted the raccoon to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing and the positive results were obtained the following day, February 23rd.

The bitten woman began anti-rabies treatments at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital on the evening of February 23rd. 

Residents of the Bent Tree Community and all areas of Pickens County should be aware of wild animals behaving aggressively or appearing to be sick. A number of wild animal species can contract rabies such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats and bats.

Stray dogs and cats should also be avoided and children should be educated on these facts about rabies:

• Have all your unvaccinated pets vaccinated against rabies by your local veterinarian and make sure your pets stay current on rabies vaccinations.

• Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must either be destroyed or placed in strict quarantine for six months.

• It is strongly recommended that valuable livestock animals having contact with humans be vaccinated against rabies.

For questions about rabies or to report a potentially rabid animal, call the Pickens County Environmental Health Office at (706) 253-0900 or Pickens County Animal Control at (706) 253-8988. If reporting a case during times when these offices are closed, call 911.