JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Teal Circle in Ocean Pines was the first site in 2019 to mark a confirmed case of rabies in Worcester County.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 24, 2019) A raccoon recently captured near Teal Circle in Ocean Pines tested positive for the rabies virus, according to an Ocean Pines news release.

It is the first, and so far only, animal in Worcester County to test positive for rabies in 2019, Worcester County Health Department Public Information Officer Travis Brown said Tuesday.

“The raccoon did not have any known human contact, but if anyone in the area believes they may have been exposed, they should contact us at 410-352-3234,” Brown said.

The positive test was recorded on Jan. 12.

Based on health department statistics, 26 cases of rabies were documented last year, the highest number reported since 46 were confirmed in 2013. Last year, 19 raccoons, two foxes, two cats and one skunk, one opossum and one bat tested positive.

According to the health department, “While raccoons make up the vast majority of confirmed rabid animals in Worcester County (and in Maryland), other species are also infected. Many people are not aware that the most frequent domestic animals to contract rabies are cats.”

The health department website includes several recommendations when dealing with suspected rabid animals:

• If you see a wild animal, such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, groundhog, opossum, or a feral cat behaving in a threatening or obviously sick manner or should your pet be involved in an altercation with one of those animals – report immediately to your local police department or Sheriff’s office.
• Prevent further contact by keeping pets and people away. If a pet or person has already had contact, it is important that the rabies suspect animal be obtained (safely) for rabies testing.
• If a pet has had contact, do not touch the pet barehanded. Make sure the health department is contacted for further instructions, if contact has occurred. Your pet’s veterinarian may also be contacted for further advice.

For more information, call Animal Control at 410-632-1340 or the health department at 410-641-9559.

For more information on rabies in Worcester County, visit worcesterhealth.org.