JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. – Residents and visitors to Jekyll Island should be on high alert after a bobcat in the area tested positive for rabies, as reported by the Glynn County Health Department (GCHD).

The GCHD revealed that an individual was attacked by the infected bobcat on November 23rd near the junction of Shell Road and Beachview Drive. Following the incident, the bobcat was sent to the public health laboratory in Waycross for testing.

Results confirmed that the animal was indeed carrying rabies. The person involved in the attack has been advised to undergo medical treatment to address potential rabies exposure.

In response, the GCHD is urging everyone to steer clear of wild animals whenever possible and advising pet owners to ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are current.

The Environmental Health office of the Glynn County Health Department offers the following recommendations to safeguard against rabies:

• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include:

• Change in behavior
• Biting
• Aggression
• Showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans)
• Foaming at the mouth
• Paralysis

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.