Rabid raccoon found on Jekyll Island prompts health warning from officials

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. – The Glynn County Health Department said that a rabid raccoon was recently found on Jekyll Island, and are alerting residents and visitors.

According to the agency, a family visiting Jekyll Island found the sick raccoon on Friday. The Jekyll Island Authority Conservation was able to safely secure the raccoon; however, some people did come into contact with its saliva while attempting to help it.

“All potentially exposed individuals have been notified of the positive test results and have received post-exposure guidance,” the health department said.

Officials issued a reminder that rabies is a deadly virus, and can circulate in several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia, including raccoons, foxes, and bats.

“Residents are urged not to feed or handle wild animals or attempt to domesticate feral animals, and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals get regular rabies shots,” officials said.

The Glynn County Health Department’s Environmental Health office also provided these tips to provide protection against rabies:

• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.