A raccoon that attacked and bit a resident multiple times in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area has tested positive for rabies, Fulton County health and police officials announced Saturday, August 1.

The Fulton County Police Department's Animal Services unit responded to the attack on Sunday, July 26, removed the raccoon, and sent it for testing, according to WSB-TV, which cited a joint advisory from the Fulton County Board of Health and Fulton County Animal Services. The Fulton County Police Department also posted about the incident on Facebook.

Officials have not named the victim or disclosed their medical status.

The Fulton County Board of Health issued an advisory for the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody areas, warning residents to avoid contact with any wildlife behaving unusually. It is unknown whether any domestic pets or other wild animals came into contact with the raccoon before it was captured, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

What residents should know

Rabies spreads through bites and scratches from infected wild animals, including raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. The disease is almost always fatal in humans if left untreated.

The Fulton County Health Department and Fulton County Police Department urged pet owners to make sure their animals are current on rabies vaccinations and to keep pets away from wildlife. Any unvaccinated pet exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before release.

If you've been exposed

Residents who have been bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of carrying rabies should seek medical care immediately, then call the Fulton County Board of Health at 770-520-7500, option 7, and ask to speak with an epidemiologist.

To have a potentially rabid animal removed, call Fulton County Animal Services at 404-613-0358.

Anyone who spots a wild animal behaving strangely should call 911.