A raccoon found near Mt. Hebron Road and Harvest Road in Randolph County tested positive for rabies at the state laboratory on Sept. 22, county health officials announced.

Randolph County, south of Columbus, is part of the West Central Health District, which also serves Muscogee County. Rabies is found in wildlife across Georgia, and raccoons are among the most common carriers, so the warning is a good reminder for families throughout the region.

If you live near the Randolph County area

- Anyone who may have had contact with a raccoon or a possibly rabid animal should call the Randolph County Health Department's Environmental Health office at 229-732-2414 and contact their doctor. - Report animals acting strangely or aggressively to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 229-732-2525. - If your pet or livestock is acting strangely or is injured, call your veterinarian right away. If you live in Columbus

• Report a sick, injured or strangely acting animal to Columbus Animal Care and Control at 706-653-4512 (4910 Milgen Road), Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, call 911 and an animal control officer will be sent.
• Keep your pets' rabies shots current. Georgia law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.
• Don't touch stray or wild animals, and teach children to stay away from them.
• Keep pet food and garbage secured so raccoons and other wildlife aren't drawn to your home.

If you're bitten or scratched by any animal

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes.
2. Apply a disinfectant.
3. Get medical care right away.
4. Report the bite to your county health department.

In Columbus, call the Columbus Health Department at 833-337-1749. Georgia Poison Control is available at 800-222-1222. For emergencies, dial 911.