Rabid Raccoon Found in Riviera Beach: ICYMI

A rabid raccoon found in the Riviera Beach community has county health officials urging anyone who came in contact with the animal, or whose pets may have been bitten by a raccoon, to call authorities.

Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment through a series of vaccines must be started as soon as possible, authorities say.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who may have recently come in contact with a rabid raccoon in the Riviera Beach community in Pasadena. The raccoon was found on Meadow Road June 27.

Anyone who had contact with a raccoon should call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health immediately at 410-222-7256, Monday through Friday 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 should call County Animal Control at 410-222-8900.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a 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.

Department of Health officials urge 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, go to:
http://www.aahealth.org/programs/env-hlth/orv/rabies-fact