SEVERN, MD — Residents in Pasadena are being put on alert after health authorities confirmed the discovery of a rabid bat over the weekend.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health said late Tuesday that the bat was found outdoors on Almondberry Drive on Sunday.
Anyone who came in contact with the bat, or whose pet did so and developed an unexplained wound, is urged to alert the department at (410) 222-7254.
While a preventative rabies treatment is available, the disease can be fatal if injections are not administered to infected individuals.
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Authorities say rabies is spread through the saliva or bite and scratch of an infected animal.
The latest announcement comes after the department confirmed a rabid raccoon in Pasadena in June. Last month, authorities also found a bat that tested positive for rabies in Severn.
Residents can report sick or injured animals with no human or pet contact to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at (877) 463-6497 during business hours or to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8888 after hours.
Anyone whose pet or family member had physical contact with a sick or injured animal should contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Animal Services at (410) 222-8900 during business hours. After hours, residents should call 911 and ask for the on-call officer.
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