A series of coyote attacks on humans and pets in Buford has been linked to an animal that tested positive for rabies. The incidents, which took place last Friday and on Saturday, resulted in injuries to several residents and dogs across multiple Gwinnett County neighborhoods, according to 11Alive.
Officials advised that the first reported attack involved a resident and a dog near Holland Park Drive, which was followed by two more incidents involving residents and another dog around 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. the next day, near Wyncliff Court and Bennies Way. Health officials have cautioned that bites or scratches from infected wildlife can transmit rabies, urging the community to ensure pets are vaccinated. Describing the suddenness of one of the attacks, a local resident, Brown, detailed his experience with the rabid animal, FOX 5 Atlanta reported, "I look over here and five feet away is a coyote."
As an often deadly virus without treatment, rabies in humans presents with early symptoms including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's findings. Gwinnett County health officials are stressing the importance of immediate medical attention for anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a stray or potentially rabid animal. They also encourage contacting GNR Public Health and speaking with the epidemiologist on call for guidance.
In response to the attacks, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement has confirmed three attacks and an attempted attack in the affected area. After someone shot and killed a coyote, the animal was tested, and the rabies infection was confirmed, alerting victims to seek potential rabies post-exposure treatments. Victims were rushed to perform treatments with urgency that Brown's son said, "I was bleeding profusely," adding that "They gave me a tetanus and stitched up the wounds and cleaned me up a bit and started rabies," FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
Residents in the area are encouraged to report any animal attacks or sightings of animals that may be rabid. During business hours, the Bite Office can be contacted at 770-339-3200, ext. 5576, and after hours, the Dispatch non-emergency number is available at 770-513-5700 for reports. These measures are part of continued efforts to prevent further rabies transmission and ensure public safety.
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