10/12/20

Cleveland — White County has received its 18th confirmed positive rabies case for 2020. 

The incident occurred in the Virgil Hunt Road area of White County on Wednesday, October 7, 2020.  The homeowner found that a skunk had entered the dog’s pen in the early morning hours and was being chased by the dog(s).

The Department of Natural Resources was notified, arrived, and took possession of the skunk, and delivered it to the White County Environmental Health Department.

The specimen was prepared and shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab – Virology Section in Decatur for testing.

The office was notified on Friday, October 9, 2020 that the skunk was positive for rabies.  

All the dogs had a history of rabies vaccination. Booster shots were given to all the dogs and they will be required to undergo a 45-day observational quarantine.   

Positive alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid skunk was located.

If you live in this area and have concerns about rabid animal exposure, please contact White County Environmental Health at 706-348-7698 during normal business hours. 

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies.