A rabid raccoon was found in Crofton Wednesday, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health said.
The raccoon had been seen near the intersection of Riedel Road and Johns Hopkins Road. Anyone who may have come in contact with the animal, or who may have a pet that came in contact with the animal, should contact the Department of Health at 410-222-7256 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 443-481-3140 after business hours.
This is the second rabid raccoon found in the county this month, as another infected animal had been discovered in Annapolis. About a week ago, Baltimore County officials were looking for a woman who dropped off a rabid raccoon at an animal shelter in Baldwin. She has since been found.
Rabies is spread through a bite or a scratch from an infected animal, or when that animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or an open cut. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment must be started as soon as possible.
