As wildfires continue to burn across Georgia, people can add rabies exposure to potential hazards that can result from the blazes.
The fires could cause wild or stray animals to move into residential areas, said Jennifer King of the North Georgia Health District. Residents are warned that contact with such animals could result in rabies exposure.
“Very few wild or stray animals have or carry rabies, but it is always best to leave them alone unless you or your pets are attacked,” she said. People should report any potential rabies exposure, such as a bite or scratch from a wild or stray animal, to local county health officials.
On Friday, blazes broke out in DeKalb and Forsyth counties, as well as continuing in other areas of North Georgia. Hundreds of fires have been reported statewide recently, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
Also, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of health risks from breathing smoke from the fires.
"Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways," the CDC said in a website post. "Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases."
Older adults, pregnant women, children and people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke, the CDC said.
