Mark Casto | February 10, 2026 | Dog Bite Lawyer Near Columbus, Georgia
Getting bitten by a dog can be frightening, not just because of the immediate pain, but also due to the worry about potential infections. One of the most serious concerns after a dog bite is rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
But should you really worry about rabies after a dog bite in Columbus, Georgia? The short answer: yes, you should take it seriously, but there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Is Rabies and Why Is It Serious?
Rabies is caused by a virus that’s transmitted most often through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite. Once the virus reaches the brain and symptoms start, it causes fatal inflammation of the brain. There’s no effective cure at that point, which is why prevention after potential exposure is critical.
Is Rabies a Real Risk in Columbus, GA?
Yes—rabies is occasionally present in your area. Recently, a fox in a Columbus neighborhood tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to warn residents about the dangers of contact with wild or stray animals.
Georgia’s public health officials emphasize that wild mammals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, are the most common carriers of rabies in the United States. Although vaccinated domestic dogs and cats are far less likely to carry rabies, the disease still circulates in wildlife and occasionally in unvaccinated pets.
How Does Rabies Transmission Work?
Rabies virus travels from the site of the bite through the nervous system toward the brain. The time between exposure and the onset of symptoms (the incubation period) can range from weeks to months, depending on factors such as the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced.
Importantly:
- The virus lives in the saliva of infected animals.
- Even minor bites or scratches can pose a risk if saliva enters broken skin.
Because rabies can silently spread through the body long before symptoms appear, taking every bite or scratch seriously and seeking prompt medical care is critical to protecting your health.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
The steps you take in the minutes and hours after a dog bite can significantly reduce your risk of infection and help protect your long-term health.
Be sure to:
- Clean the wound right away: Wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps remove virus particles and reduces the chance of infection.
- Seek medical care immediately: A healthcare professional will assess your risk of rabies and other complications—like bacterial infection or tetanus—and advise on next steps.
- Identify and assess the dog, if possible: If the dog is a pet, find out whether it’s up to date on its rabies vaccination. If it’s a stray or its vaccination status is unknown, notify animal control and local health officials right away.
- Report the bite: Contact Columbus Animal Care and Control and the Columbus Department of Public Health to properly document and evaluate the bite.
By acting quickly, documenting the incident, and following medical guidance, you put yourself in the best possible position to prevent serious complications and ensure the bite is handled properly.
Does Every Dog Bite Lead to Rabies?
No. In the United States, human rabies cases are very rare because vaccination programs for pets and wildlife control efforts have been effective. Domestic dogs with up-to-date vaccinations are unlikely to carry the virus.
However, rabies is still present in wildlife in Georgia, including around Columbus, and vaccination status and the type of animal involved matter. If the biting animal can be observed for 10 days and remains healthy, it couldn’t have transmitted rabies at the time of the bite.
Contact a Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
A dog bite can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial stress, especially when there’s concern about rabies or other infections. While getting medical care is critical, it’s also important to understand your legal rights under Georgia law.If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Columbus, GA, Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can help. Contact an experienced Columbus dog bite lawyer today for a free consultation.
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus dog bite lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
