Rabies Alert Issued For Anne Arundel Co. Residents

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is warning residents of a possible rabies exposure after a raccoon tested positive for the viral disease.

The department said the raccoon was found Feb. 17 in Annapolis near Holly Drive in the Amberly area.

"Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected animal," reads a release issued by the health agency.

Rabies is a viral disease that is typically transmitted through a bite or scratch, but can also be spread through the saliva of an infected animal. To treat the disease, infected individuals undergo thorough wound cleaning and a series of vaccinations.

Anyone who believes they or their pet came in contact with the raccoon is urged to contact the health department at (410) 222-7254 or at (443) 481-3140 after 4 p.m.

The department advises residents to take the following precautions to prevent rabies from spreading:

• All pets should have current rabies immunizations.
• Do not allow your pets to run free.
• Secure outside garbage in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid contact with all wildlife, especially feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes.
• If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention.

Any animals that appear sick or injured and that haven't come in contact with a human or pet should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at (877) 463-6497 or to the MNR Police at (410) 260-8888.

In the event a resident has come in contact with an animal that appears sick, call the county's Department of Animal Services at (410) 222-8900 during business hours. Any after-hours calls should be directed to 911, asking for the on-call officer.

Additional information about rabies can be found online.