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.
