Full Notification

Yesterday evening, the Department of Public Health’s Coastal Health District (DPH) notified the public of a rabies encounter on Jekyll Island. While DPH remains the lead agency on notifications regarding concerns of public health, the Jekyll Island Authority would like to emphasize and communicate the following:

• This encounter occurred on Saturday, January 17, not Friday, as previously reported.
• Testing results for the raccoon were received late Tuesday, January 20.
• This encounter was the result of a voluntary interaction in an effort to provide aid to the raccoon and took place in a wooded area away from a natural public path.
• There is no immediate threat to the public.
• This communication is intended to educate the public that voluntary interactions with wildlife (raccoons, foxes, feral cats, and other animals) can expose a person to transmissible diseases, including rabies. 

If you see or encounter a wild animal exhibiting unusual behavior, such as aggression, confusion, or impaired motor function, please refrain from approaching it and report the incident to the Jekyll Island Wildlife Incident Reporting system by texting or leaving a voicemail at 912-222-5992. Please include as much detail as possible, including the exact location and time of the incident. For life-threatening situations, please call 911.
 
All questions related to rabies testing and public awareness protocols should be directed to the Department of Public Health’s Coastal Health District, Environmental Health Office. They will complete animal testing and notify the public as necessary.

Please refer to the information they have provided below on how to reduce the risks of exposure.

PRESS RELEASE

The Glynn County Health Department is alerting residents and visitors that a raccoon on Jekyll Island has tested positive for rabies. A family visiting Jekyll Island encountered a sick raccoon on January 16, 2026. The Jekyll Island Authority Conservation team was notified and was able to safely obtain the raccoon. The animal was observed to be exhibiting signs of lethargy and neurological impairment.
 
No bites or scratches were reported; however, adults involved did come into contact with the raccoon’s saliva while attempting to provide aid. All potentially exposed individuals have been notified of the positive test results and have received post-exposure guidance.
 
Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. This is an important reminder that rabies can circulate in several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged not to feed or handle wild animals or attempt to domesticate feral animals, and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals get regular rabies shots.
 
The Glynn County Health Department’s Environmental Health office has these tips to protect you and your family from 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,s 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 a behavior change, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and 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.