Augusta man attacked by rabid fox near Lake Olmstead

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·1 min read
A man was attacked by a rabid fox in the Lake Olmstead area of Augusta on June 9, 2022.
A man was attacked by a rabid fox in the Lake Olmstead area of Augusta on June 9, 2022.

Augusta residents living near Lake Olmstead are being warned of possible rabid animals after a recent attack in the area.

East Central Public Health spokesperson Sadie Stockton reported via email Thursday that a resident in the area was attacked by a fox passing through his yard on June 9. Augusta Animal Services caught the fox. Richmond County Health Department sent the fox to Georgia Public Health's laboratory in Decatur, Georgia, where it tested positive for rabies.

No information was released on the victim's current health.

Rabies is a viral disease that can be spread through bites or scratches, according to the CDC. It infects the central nervous system, and if left untreated, can lead to disease of the brain and ultimately death.

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Richmond County Health Department’s Environmental Health Section is connecting with area residents and advising them to:

  • Stay away from wild animals.

  • Make sure any dogs or cats are vaccinated for rabies.

  • Do not let any pets roam free.

  • Avoid feeding animals outdoors since this draws other outdoor animals close to home.

Parents are recommended to pass all of this information to their children as well.

If any humans or animals make contact with a wild animal, contact Richmond County Health Department Environmental Health Section office at (706) 667-4234 or Augusta Animal Services at (706) 790-6836.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Ga man attacked by rabid fox near Lake Olmstead