A sick raccoon found in Prince George’s County last week tested positive for rabies, prompting officials to issue an alert. Residents who may have come in contact with the animal are urged to reach out to the Prince George’s County Health Department.
The raccoon was captured on April 11 in the 5200 block of Iroquois Street in College Park, according to county health officials. The confirmation that the animal had rabies came five days later.
If you think you may have encountered the raccoon, please contact the county health department at 301-583-3750 or 240-508-5774 after 4:30 p.m. on holidays or weekends.
Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. The county health department recommends receiving four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days if you have been bitten or exposed to a rabid animal.
In the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, approximately 900 Marylanders receive treatment after exposure to rabid or potentially rabid animals.
County health officer Dr. Matthew Levy emphasizes the importance of preventing exposure to rabies. He advises community members to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure their household pets are vaccinated.
Preventing Exposure to Rabies
- Do not approach, handle, or feed stray dogs and cats, and enforce and follow leash laws.
- Teach your children to stay away from wild animals and unknown animals.
- Vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies and keep their vaccinations up to date.
- Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free.
- Cover garbage cans tightly and do not leave pet food outside as it may attract wild and stray animals.
- When handling an animal that has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves, keep it away from people and other animals, and report the exposure to a veterinarian or local health department.
- Use window screens and chimney caps to prevent bats from entering your home.
What to Do If Bitten or Scratched
- If it is a wild animal, try to trap it safely. If the animal must be killed, avoid damaging the head.
- If it is an owned animal, obtain the owner’s name, address, and telephone number.
- Report exposures to your local animal control agency, health department, or police.
- Wash the wound well with soap and water immediately, and if available, use a disinfectant to flush the wound.
- Seek prompt medical attention.
- If a bat was present and exposure cannot be reasonably ruled out, consider treatment. For example, if a bat is found in the room of a sleeping person, an unattended child, a person with an intellectual disability, or an intoxicated person.
For more information on rabies in Maryland, you can visit the official website of the Maryland Department of Health.