Rabies is back in the headlines in DeKalb County after health officials confirmed the virus in two animals this week, a dead cat recovered in Lithonia and a raccoon found in the South Gresham Park area, prompting a fresh round of public health warnings across metro Atlanta. County teams are urging residents to keep pets away from wildlife and to pull out those vaccination records while they track possible exposures.
According to WSB‑TV, DeKalb animal control staff began alerting neighbors after lab tests confirmed rabies in the animals. Officials stressed that anyone who is bitten or scratched should get medical care right away and report the incident to local authorities.
Where The Rabid Animals Were Found
The county told Atlanta News First that the cat that tested positive was found dead in Lithonia, and that it is still unclear whether it had an owner or was a stray. In a separate case, a raccoon in the South Gresham Park area also tested positive for rabies, echoing an earlier rabid raccoon detection in the same park that FOX 5 Atlanta reported in January.
What Officials Say Residents Should Do
DeKalb Public Health and county animal control officials are asking residents to double check that dogs, cats and ferrets are current on rabies vaccinations, to remove outdoor food bowls, and to secure garbage so it does not attract hungry wildlife, according to DeKalb Public Health. They noted that pets that are fully up to date on their shots may qualify for home quarantine after a possible exposure, while animals with unknown or overdue vaccination status will be handled under county procedures.
What To Do If You Or Your Pet Are Exposed
Anyone who is bitten or scratched should seek medical attention immediately, since rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, although post exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, works when it is started promptly, the CDC explains. For local guidance and testing referrals, the Georgia Poison Center operates a 24 hour rabies information line and assists both health professionals and residents, with its contact details and resources available online.
How Pet Quarantine Rules Work
National recommendations from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians advise that unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a confirmed rabid animal should be euthanized, or, if the owner refuses, placed in strict isolation for four months. Animals that are overdue for a booster but have documentation of prior vaccination can receive a booster shot and then be observed for 45 days, according to the NASPHV compendium. Local animal control officers will use those guidelines case by case and can order quarantine, testing or removal when they deem it necessary.
Residents who need help can contact DeKalb County Animal Enforcement at 404-294-2996 during business hours or 404-294-2519 after hours, or call DeKalb Public Health at 404-294-3700 for medical questions and to report concerns. Officials say people should report animals that are acting strangely and keep pets supervised and vaccinated until the county gives the all clear.
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