Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In Pasadena

PASADENA, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is sounding the alarm and urging residents to be cautious after a raccoon tested positive for rabies this week.

Officials said in a Wednesday release that the raccoon was found Monday. No further details about the raccoon were released by the agency.

Anyone who came in contact with a raccoon or whose pet was in proximity to the raccoon on or near McGill Court and Milburn Circle in Pasadena is asked to contact the department.

Calls should also be made if the pet has developed any unexplained wounds.

The agency can be reached Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (410) 222-7254. Any calls after 4 p.m. can be made to (443) 481-3140.

Considered a fatal disease, rabies is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, including instances where the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound on another person or animal.

Rabies Symptoms And Treatment

Authorities say preventative treatment, such as injections, may be required for anyone who either handled, fed, or was attacked by the infected raccoon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms associated with rabies include weakness, fever, headaches, itching sensation at the site of a bite, confusion, hallucinations, and agitation, among other conditions.

The CDC states that severe symptoms typically appear in untreated cases within two weeks.

Preventing The Spread Of Rabies

The county's health agency urges residents to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of rabies:

• 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, and seek medical attention.

Reporting Animals That Appear Sick

Any animals that seem sick or injured and do not appear to have come in contact with humans or pets should be alerted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR can be contacted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (877) 463-6497.

Reports made after 4:30 p.m. should be directed to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8888.

In cases of physical contact with an animal that is sick or injured, residents can contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Animal Services during business hours at (410) 222-8900. After-hours reports should be made to 911 and directed to the on-call officer.

For online information about rabies, go to AAHealth.org/rabies. To get a free fact sheet on rabies, call (410) 222-7254.