On June 16, Montgomery County Police announced the capture of a rabid raccoon in Wheaton between Arcola and Ventura Avenues.
This development follows a public alert issued earlier to the Montgomery County website by the Office of Animal Services (OAS) and Department of Health and Human Services stating that 2 people had been bitten by a raccoon in the Silver Spring-Wheaton area.
Rabies transmission is considered a medical emergency. Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to animals and humans through bites and exposure to saliva. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal.
Per the release, rabies has been a known problem in Maryland since 1983. The public is encouraged to remain a safe distance from wildlife and keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations. OAS offers a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for Montgomery County residents every Wednesday. More information about rabies vaccinations and clinics is located here.
Anyone who may have come in contact with the raccoon or been bitten is encouraged to call Animal Services immediately at (240) 773-5925.
Comments are closed.