DeKalb County officials are urging pet owners to exercise caution following a reported case of rabies in the area. A raccoon, which was found dead near Redfield Drive in Dunwoody, has tested positive for the virus, as FOX 5 Atlanta reported. The confirmation of the disease comes as a reminder that Georgia, being a rabies-endemic state, is no stranger to such incidents — with the disease present throughout the year.

In response to the finding, health officials recommend that residents ensure their pets' vaccinations are current. Given that the state often sees several cases of rabies each year, these are not steps taken lightly but rather necessary measures for prevention. Officials are also advising to remove outdoor feeding stations and secure garbage cans to discourage wildlife interaction. Should a pet or person be bitten or scratched, immediate medical attention is warranted.

Moreover, residents are encouraged to be vigilantly observant of their pets' behaviors and report any signs of abnormality to DeKalb County Animal Control. In the unfortunate event, "Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. It’s usually passed from animal to animal, but can be passed from animals to people," as Decaturish states. It's clear that managing the rabies risk is a communal effort bolstered by informed and proactive citizens.

To protect against rabies, vaccinations are described as effective, and it is incumbent upon residents to vaccinate their pets annually, registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control. For further information or to report an animal bite, the county provides contact numbers for DeKalb County Animal Control: (404) 294-2996 during business hours, and (404) 294-2519 for after-hour emergencies.