Rabies alert issued in Liberty County following fox attack

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - The Liberty County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions after a fox that attacked a local resident tested positive for rabies.

The incident happened Sunday, Sept. 28, outside a home near Bryant Commons Park in Hinesville. According to health officials, the resident reported being attacked by the animal. The fox was killed and transported to a state public health laboratory, where it tested positive for the deadly virus on Monday, Sept. 29.

The victim has been notified and is currently receiving post-exposure medical care.

Health officials noted that rabies is endemic to coastal Georgia and circulates primarily among wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, and bats. The virus is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, spreading through bites or scratches from infected animals.

Prevention Tips for Residents

The Liberty County Health Department’s Environmental Health Office recommends the following safety measures:

• Avoid unfamiliar animals: Steer clear of wild, stray, or unknown animals, even if they appear friendly.
• Keep pet vaccinations current: Dogs and cats should receive their initial rabies vaccine after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster within one year and routine shots every one to three years.
• Eliminate food sources: Secure outdoor garbage cans and do not leave pet food outside overnight.
• Do not handle or adopt wildlife: Never bring wild animals into your home or attempt to nurse sick wildlife back to health. Contact local animal control or licensed wildlife rescuers instead.
• Educate children: Remind kids to “love your own, leave other animals alone.”

Signs of rabies in wildlife include uncharacteristic aggression, an unusual lack of fear around humans, sudden behavior changes, paralysis, or foaming at the mouth.

Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should seek immediate medical attention and report the encounter to local animal control and county environmental health officials.