Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Health

Rabies Alert: Bat Found in Laurel Tests Positive for Rabies

Rabies Alert: Bat Found in Laurel Tests Positive for Rabies

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued a rabies alert after a bat found near the intersection of Frostwood Drive and Finchleigh Street in Laurel tested positive for rabies on February 21, 2024.

While the department does not typically send out alerts for bats testing positive for rabies, the circumstances in this situation are different. There are concerns that several children may have been in contact with the bat, prompting the public health advisory.

Residents in the area, especially those with children, are urged to have a conversation with them to determine if they had any recent contact with a bat. Rabies is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, including groundhogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. It can also be transmitted when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or open cut.

Given that bat bites can be small and hard to detect, individuals may not realize they have been bitten. As a precaution, a risk assessment should be conducted promptly after any potential exposure to a bat. Preventive treatment, which involves injections, may be necessary for anyone who handled, fed, or was attacked by the infected animal.

Rabies is a fatal disease, and timely preventive treatment is crucial. Those who believe they may have been in contact with the bat are advised to contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7254 during business hours or 443-481-3140 after hours.

If a sick animal is found, individuals are advised not to touch it. Any sick or injured animals with no human or pet contact can be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 877-463-6497 during business hours or to the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 after hours. In cases where physical contact with a sick or injured animal has occurred, individuals can contact Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control during business hours at 410-222-8900 or dial 911 after hours and ask for the on-call officer.

For further information about rabies, individuals can visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Health website at www.aahealth.org/rabies or call 410-222-7254 to request a free fact sheet on rabies.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *