A recent rabies alert in Southern Anne Arundel County has prompted a search for individuals who might have come into contact with a rabid raccoon. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has confirmed that the raccoon, found near Central Avenue in Churchton, was infected with the disease. The raccoon was located this past Tuesday, and health officials are urging anyone with potential exposure to the animal to seek immediate advice. Those concerned should contact the Department of Health weekly between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 410-222-7254 or 443-481-3140 for after-hours inquiries.
Rabies can be transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal or when its saliva comes into contact with someone's eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. The health department is particularly keen to quickly identify people to possibly administer preventive treatment, vital in combating an invariably fatal disease without timely intervention. Animals at risk of being rabies carriers include but are not limited to, groundhogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats.
The Department of Health advises the public to ensure that pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations, keep pets under control and not let them roam freely, secure garbage in covered containers, and refrain from leaving pet food outdoors. Additionally, residents should avoid wildlife contact, particularly with feral cats, raccoons, bats, and foxes. In case of a bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal, it is crucial to wash the wound with soap and water immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Suppose residents come across animals that appear sick or injured without prior human or pet contact. In that case, they can report these cases to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877-463-6497 during working hours or to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 after hours. However, any physical interactions with such animals should be reported to Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control at 410-222-8900 or by dialing 911 after business hours to connect with the on-call officer. More information on rabies and preventive measures can be found on the Department of Health's website at www.aahealth.org/rabies.
