CLEVELAND, Ga. – A rabid fox attacked an unidentified person Tuesday as he was leaving a business on Highway 129 near Truelove Road.

White County Environmental Health Manager Sean Sullivan said the fox was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab – Virology Section in Decatur, where it tested positive for rabies.

Sullivan said he could not speak specifically to the natures of the man’s injuries, but the victim did seek medical attention at a hospital emergency room and was then referred to his private physician for treatment.

This is the second confirmed case of rabies in White County this year.

Positive alert signs have been posted in the area where the rabid fox was located.

Anyone who lives or works in that area and has concerns of possible rabid animal exposure should contact White County Environmental Health at (706) 348-7698 during normal business hours.

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies.