Gwinnett County’s Latest Rabies Case: A Kitten’s Bite Turns Fatal

Rabies Case Found in Lawrenceville Neighborhood

Lawrenceville, GA – Sunny Hill Road, known for its pleasant neighborhoods, has recently become the site of Gwinnett County’s latest rabies case. This time, the infected animal bit multiple individuals, raising concerns among residents.

The incident occurred near 2100 Sunny Hill Rd., where two individuals rescued a kitten and unknowingly encountered a dangerous problem. “When they vaccinated it, it actually bit one of the vet techs and then scratched both owners,” revealed Gwinnett County Special Operations Manager, Kristina Amaro.

While it is not uncommon for cats to exhibit such behavior at the vet, the situation took a terrifying turn the following morning. “They took it home, and the next day they found the kitten deceased,” Amaro said.

Subsequently, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare discovered that the kitten had rabies, which had been missed during the initial vet visit. “It’s unusual that it went unnoticed,” Amaro expressed.

Rabies symptoms are typically evident and include seizures, foaming at the mouth, and weakness. As a result, the two individuals who brought the kitten to the vet will now have to undergo a course of rabies shots. “The closer the bite or scratch wound is to the head, the quicker it’s going to accelerate and start showing signs and symptoms,” Amaro explained.

The Gwinnett County Health Department recommends starting the shots immediately, although they did not provide an update on the status of the three people who were bitten and scratched. However, they did offer guidance on dealing with wildlife encounters, particularly stray cats. “Just make sure that people are not touching animals they’re not familiar with,” advised Amaro.

Residents of Sunny Hill Road and surrounding areas are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious animal behavior to the appropriate authorities. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, and it is crucial to prioritize safety when interacting with unfamiliar animals.

How did the residents of Sunny Hill Road become exposed to rabies?

Rabies Case Shakes Up Sunny Hill Road Community

Lawrenceville, GA – The peaceful streets of Sunny Hill Road in Lawrenceville have been rocked by a recent rabies case, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood. Multiple individuals were bitten by the infected animal, leaving residents on edge.

The incident unfolded near 2100 Sunny Hill Rd., where two kindhearted individuals rescued a kitten, unknowing of the danger that lurked beneath its innocent appearance. “When they went to vaccinate it, one of the vet techs got bitten, and the owners got scratched,” shared Kristina Amaro, Gwinnett County Special Operations Manager.

What began as a routine veterinary visit soon turned into a nightmare. “They brought the kitten home, but the next day, they tragically found it lifeless,” Amaro revealed.

Subsequently, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare made a shocking discovery – the kitten had rabies, which went undetected during the initial vet examination. “It’s highly unusual for it to go unnoticed like that,” Amaro expressed.

Symptoms of rabies are typically evident and can include seizures, foaming at the mouth, and weakness. As a result, the two individuals who brought the kitten to the vet will now have to undergo a series of rabies shots. “The closer the bite or scratch wound is to the head, the quicker the symptoms will appear,” Amaro explained.

The Gwinnett County Health Department advises starting the shots immediately, although they did not provide an update on the condition of the three individuals who were bitten and scratched. However, they did offer helpful advice on handling encounters with wildlife, particularly stray cats. “It’s important that people refrain from touching animals they are not familiar with,” urged Amaro.

Residents of Sunny Hill Road and the surrounding areas are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious animal behavior to the authorities. Rabies is a severe and potentially deadly disease, and it is crucial to prioritize safety when dealing with unfamiliar animals. Let’s all work together to keep our community safe!