Rabid Raccoon Discovered In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Anyone who may have come into contact with a raccoon near the intersection of Ogleton Road and Queen Anne Circle in the Annapolis Roads Community in Annapolis must contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health immediately. The raccoon was discovered Oct. 30 and has tested positive for rabies.

If a resident or a pet has had contact with a raccoon, or a pet has unexplained wounds, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It also is spread when the infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal. Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.