Rabid raccoon: Prince George’s County Health Department warns community of exposure

Gabby Allen
·3 min read
3

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The Prince George’s County Health Department warned community members of a rabid raccoon that was recently found in College Park.

The raccoon was seen in the 5200 block of Iroquois St. on April 11. It was captured alive by the Animal Services Division after appearing very ill and weak, according to a press release from the Health Department.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed the raccoon tested positive for rabies on Monday.

The Health Department is now looking for anyone who may have had contact with the raccoon in the area.

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If you know of any person or animals that may have had contact with a raccoon in this area between March 27 and April 11, you are asked to contact the Health Department immediately at 301-583-3750.

“Rabies is a life-threatening disease that is prevented by starting post-exposure treatment as soon as possible,” stated Dr. Matthew D. Levy, Prince George’s County Health Officer, in the release. “Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. The best way to prevent exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure household pets are vaccinated for rabies. Community members should report unusual animal behavior and avoid handling or feeding unknown animals in their community.”

The disease can be prevented by administering four doses of the rabies vaccine to the exposed individual over 14 days, with a dose of rabies immunoglobulin given at the beginning of treatment.

The Health Department said 900 Marylanders receive preventative treatment each year after being exposed to a rabid or potentially rabid animal.

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To prevent exposure, the Health Department advises:

  • 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 animals they do not know.

  • Vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies and keep the 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; this may attract wild and stray animals.

  • Wear gloves when handling an animal that has been in a fight with another animal. Keep it away from people and other animals, and call your veterinarian or local health department to report the animal exposure.

  • Use window screens and chimney caps and close any openings greater than ¼ inch by ½ inch to prevent bats from entering your home. Bats found in the home should be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies.

If you are bitten by or exposed to an animal, you should do the following:

  • If it is a wild animal, try to trap it if you can do so safely. If the animal must be killed, try not to damage the head.

  • If it is an owned animal, get the animal owner’s name, address, and telephone number.

  • Report exposures to your local animal control agency, health department, or police.

  • Immediately wash the wound well with soap and water; if available, use a disinfectant to flush the wound.

  • Get prompt medical attention.

  • Consider treatment if a bat was present and exposure cannot be reasonably ruled out (e.g., a sleeping person awakens to find a bat in the room, or an adult sees a bat in the room with an unattended child, a person with an intellectual disability, or an intoxicated person).

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