Rabid Raccoon Spotted in Glen Burnie: Health Alert

GLEN BURNIE, MD — Anne Arundel County Department of Health officials are seeking anyone who recently came in contact with a raccoon near Irene Drive in the Oakridge community in Glen Burnie. The raccoon, which was found on Irene Drive on Feb. 4, tested positive for rabies.

Health officials say anyone who had contact with a raccoon should call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health immediately at 410-222-7256 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours. Anyone whose pet was bitten or scratched by a raccoon or has wounds from an unknown source should call County Animal Control at 410-222-8900.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a cat, raccoon, fox or bat. It is also 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 or fed the skunk. Rabies is a fatal disease, and vaccines must be started as soon as possible.

A sign of rabies is a change in normal behavior. Some animals become excitable, irritable and aggressive, while others appear shy, timid, calm and docile. Animals that are normally active at night may become active and visible during the day. Infected animals may also have difficulty walking or may seem disoriented. Other symptoms include weakness, paralysis, inability to eat or drink, drooling, foaming at the mouth, and convulsions.

The Department of Health urges county residents not to feed stray or wild animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.

For online information about rabies, visit www.aahealth.org. The Department of Health offers pre-exposure rabies immunizations to people in high risk animal-related jobs, such as veterinarians and their assistants, animal handlers, certain laboratory workers, hunters and trappers. Call 410-222-7256 to make an appointment.

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