Authorities urge caution after dead bat tests positive for rabies in DeKalb County

Health authorities are asking residents in DeKalb County to watch their pets after a dead bat tested positive for rabies.

Authorities say the bat was found in the area around Terry Mill Road and tested positive on Aug. 21.

Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. Officials say that means it's important for residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoid animals that may be behaving in unusual ways.

In July, a dead bat was found in the area near South DeKalb Columbia Drive and York Place around Stone Mountain, health officials say. Other animals, such as raccoons, have tested positive in recent months.

The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.

If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medical care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. After that, contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

To report an animal behaving in an unusual way or to report an animal bite, call DeKalb County Animal Control at (404) 294-2996, ext. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or (404) 294-2519 after hours.