Rabid Animal Detected Harford County

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — On Tuesday, Harford County Health Department officials received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon found in the Whiteford area tested positive for the rabies virus.

Although this raccoon was found near the 1600 block of Chestnut Street in Whiteford, it may have exposed other individuals or pets in the surrounding area to the rabies virus.

"Witnessing a raccoon is not cause for alarm, but if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon in this area, please contact the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow up," the department stated.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, skunk or bat. It is also spread when an 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 infected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.