Newnan animal warden Cyndi Hoffman announced Tuesday there was a confirmed case of rabies in the city. There were no humans affected with the disease.

Newnan Public Information Officer Gina Snider said events unfolded when a resident on Oct. 23 reported a fox in his yard was acting strangely. Officer Hoffman went out to the resident off Highwoods Parkway. The fox was then caught on a restraining pole and humanely euthanized. The body was sent to the lab where results came back positive for rabies, Snider said.

Residents are urged to always keep family pets updated on vaccinations, Snider said, adding that pet owners should call their veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

“These vaccinations are critical to your families’ and pets’ well-being,” said Hoffman. ”People do not realize the long and intense treatments needed for humans if bitten by a rabid animal and symptoms occur it is too late. Rabies has a 99 percent rate fatality for humans and animals.”.      

Hoffman remind residents there is a leash law (4-41) and a vaccination law (4-44) in the city of Newnan. Citations will be issued if caught breaking these laws. If you need to review these ordinances please log onto www.ci.newnan.ga.us 

Symptoms of rabies for animals and humans usually develop between 20 and 60 days after exposure. Rabid animals may become aggressive, combative, and highly sensitive to touch and other kinds of stimulation. And they can be vicious. This is the "furious" form of rabies, the kind traditionally associated with mad dogs, Snider advised.

There is also a "dumb" form of the disease in which the animal is lethargic, weak in one or more limbs, and unable to raise its head or make sounds because its throat and neck muscles are paralyzed. In both kinds of animal rabies, death occurs a few days after symptoms appear, usually from respiratory failure.

Rabies infection in humans begins with symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat followed in several days by more serious and rapidly progressing symptoms such as restlessness, hallucinations and seizures. The final stage is coma and death.

Tips Residents for rabies prevention include avoiding wildlife, vaccinate your pets, do not approach any animal unknown to you or your family, secure trash in garbage cans with tight fitting lids and feed and water your pets inside your home to avoid attracting wild animals.

For city of Newnan residents to report animal related issues, please call animal control at (770) 254-2355.

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