Fox that bit women in Columbia County had rabies

State officials have confirmed that a fox which bit two women had rabies.

The women, ages 67 and 72, will now have to undergo a series of rabies shots.

The fox bit the women on the ankles on Tuesday after it lunged at them outside a home in Martinez.

It's the eighth confirmed case of rabies in animals in Columbia County so far this year, up from five last year.

Officials are especially worried because foxes are appearing more in residential areas.

"Usually the animals we have with are coming in contact with people's pets, and those are normally raccoons," says Linda Fulmer, the animal control director in Columbia County. "Foxes are not common to come up with this kind of behavior, so of course it is alarming."

The Georgia Veterinary Association says the number of rabies cases is up 60 percent this year from this time last year.

They say their unsure if outbreaks are more prevalent, or if there's more awareness about the disease.

Officials urge people to keep their pets' vaccinations up to date.

They also say to call your local animal control office if you see an animal behaving strangely.