ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Gwinnett County officials are warning the public after a raccoon tested positive for rabies on Thursday.

The animal attacked a dog near Tanner Road in Dacula on Tuesday. The dog’s condition is unknown.

The county tells residents to avoid animals that are acting oddly and to get their pets vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal have to be quarantined for four months, according to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians.

Rabies, a virus that attacks the central nervous system, is almost always deadly in humans if they don’t receive medical care before symptoms start. Early symptoms include fever, headache, weakness and discomfort.

Anyone scratched or bitten by a stray or possibly rabid animal should immediately go to the hospital before calling GNR Public Health at 770-339-4260. If you see an animal acting unusually and want to have it picked up, call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200, ext. 5576.

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