Rabies Alert: Infected Raccoon Found In Annapolis, Warning Issued

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A rabid raccoon was found in Annapolis, health officials announced Wednesday.

The Anne Arundel County Health Department is seeking any people or animals who may have come in contact with the raccoon.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease, and injections must be started as soon as possible.

Officials said the raccoon was located on Pleasant Plains Road near Old Farm Bridge Road. That's located south of St. Margarets Road.

If you or your pet had contact with this infected animal, or your pet has unexplained wounds, please contact the Health Department at 410-222-7254 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

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.

The Department of Health advises county 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, seek medical attention.

Animals that appear sick or injured that have had no human or pet contact can be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877-463-6497 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 after hours. If you or your pet has had physical contact with an animal that is sick or injured, contact Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control during business hours at 410-222-8900. After hours, dial 911 and ask for the on-call officer.

For information about rabies, visit aahealth.org/rabies. To get a free fact sheet on rabies, call 410-222-7254.

This map shows the area where health officials said the raccoon with rabies was found.