'Four exposed to rabid llama' and other news from the Chattanooga region

Four exposed to rabid llama

MORGANTON, Ga. - State health officials say four people in Northwest Georgia have been exposed to rabies by a pet llama.

Officials say a veterinarian was called to a Fannin County house in Morganton on Dec. 28 because a llama was showing signs of aggression -- biting at itself, biting at others and spitting at one of its caretakers.

The llama was euthanized and sent to a diagnostic lab and the Georgia Department of Health.

Officials say the caretaker the llama spat on is receiving post-exposure rabies treatment. Authorities say one person who came into contact with the animal experienced very little exposure and will not need treatment.

Officials are waiting to hear from the other two people who were exposed to the virus.

Untreated rabies is almost always fatal in humans.


Tiny earthquake shakes area

McMINN COUNTY, Tenn. - Earthquake sensors reported a 2.2 earthquake deep in the earth early Tuesday morning between Athens and Englewood, Tenn., in McMinn County.

The quake -- likely not felt by residents -- occurred about 5 a.m. with its epicenter about five miles deep in the earth and about six miles east-northeast of Englewood, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program.

The region is in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, which extends across Tennessee and northwestern Georgia into northeastern Alabama. The zone is the second-most active earthquake area east of the Mississippi River.


Severe weather tax holiday nears

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama's second annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be the weekend of Feb. 22-24.

The state Revenue Department says the state will waive its 4 percent sales tax on items used to prepare homes and businesses for hurricanes and tornadoes. Some cities and counties will do the same.

Items covered by the sales tax holiday include batteries, battery-powered radios, flashlights, tarpaulins, duct tape, plywood, self-contained first aid kits and fuel containers costing up to $60 per item. Also included are portable generators costing up to $1,000 each.


New Orleans battle recalled

NASHVILLE - A number of free activities at The Hermitage on Tuesday commemorated the 198th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans.

The plantation on Nashville's east edge was the home of President Andrew Jackson, who made his mark as a military leader in the War of 1812.

Activities included a wreath laying; book signing by Jon Meacham, author of "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House;" lecture by Tom Kanon; and crafts for children.

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