A fox that recently bit a jogger in Hall County had rabies, officials said Friday.
County officials said contact between the fox and man happened along Gillsville Highway.
The positive rabies test is the eighth case confirmed in Hall County this year. The seventh case of rabies also happened in east Hall County, near Joe Chandler Road, when a dog encountered a raccoon in May.
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system after a bite from an infected mammal, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The early symptoms are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
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Officials will post positive alert signs in the area where the fox was located. Residents of the area who have noticed behavior changes in their pet should contact Hall County Animal Services at (770) 531-6830 or call Hall County Dispatch at (770) 536-8812 during evening hours.
Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domestic pets for rabies. Vaccines are available at the Hall County Animal Shelter for $10 Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville.
