2nd Rabid Raccoon Recently Found in College Park
For the second time in less than a month, a rabid raccoon was captured in College Park.
Recent Incident Occurrence
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Officials are raising concerns as a second rabid raccoon was discovered in College Park, Maryland, within a month. The most recent incident involved an ill-looking raccoon found in the 9500 block of 50th Place during the timeframe of April 13-23. Immediate action is required in identifying individuals who may have come into contact with the infected creature during that time. Should you have any knowledge of such an encounter, please contact the Prince George’s County Health Department urgently at 301-583-3751 or 240-508-5774 after 4:30 p.m. on holidays or weekends. Rabies, a life-threatening disease, necessitates prompt post-exposure treatment.
Statement from Health Officer
Dr. Matthew D. Levy, Prince George’s County Health Officer, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, working in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and College Park Animal Services. He stated, “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.”
Prior Incident
It is important to note that this is not the first instance of a rabid raccoon in College Park. Just weeks before, on April 11, a raccoon infected with rabies was captured in the 5200 block of Iroquois Street. These occurrences are alarming and highlight the urgency of taking precautionary measures.
To Prevent 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 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 Bitten or Exposed to an Animal:
- 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, person with an intellectual disability, or intoxicated person).
More Information
To learn more about rabies in Maryland, including rabies surveillance statistics and efforts to prevent and control the disease, please visit the MDH website.
