Two Maryland Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies: Health Officials Warn Residents of Exposure Risks and Importance of Preventative Measures

College Park, Maryland United States of America
Approximately 900 Marylanders receive preventative treatment for rabies each year.
First incident occurred on April 5 in Shady Side, Anne Arundel County.
Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can be prevented through post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal and causes symptoms such as hyperactivity, excitable behavior, hydrophobia, aerophobia, and paralysis.
Second incident occurred on April 11 in College Park, Prince George's County.
Two raccoons in Maryland have tested positive for rabies.
Two Maryland Raccoons Test Positive for Rabies: Health Officials Warn Residents of Exposure Risks and Importance of Preventative Measures

In recent news, two raccoons in Maryland have tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to issue alerts and remind residents of the importance of preventative measures.

The first incident occurred on April 5, when a raccoon was found on Lee Boulevard near John Marshall Park in Shady Side, Anne Arundel County. Anyone who came into contact with the raccoon is asked to contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

A second raccoon was discovered on April 11 in College Park, Prince George's County. The animal was found looking ill and weak in the 5200 block of Iroquois Street and was captured by the Animal Services Division. The raccoon tested positive for rabies on April 16.

Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can be prevented through post-exposure treatment, which should be started as soon as possible. It is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch. To prevent exposure to rabies, individuals are advised to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.

Approximately 900 Marylanders receive preventative treatment for rabies each year after exposure to a potentially rabid animal. Rabies symptoms include hyperactivity, excitable behavior, hydrophobia, aerophobia, and paralysis. If you believe you or someone you know may have come into contact with a raccoon or other animal that has tested positive for rabies, contact your local health department immediately.

Rabies is just one of many diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It's important to take precautions and stay informed about potential health risks in your community.



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  • Unique Points
    • A rabid raccoon was found in College Park, MD on April 11.
    • The raccoon was captured in the 5200 block of Iroquois Street.
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    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
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  • Unique Points
    • Approximately 900 Marylanders get preventive treatment after exposure to a rabid or potentially rabid animal each year.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
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    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains some instances of appeals to authority, but no formal or informal fallacies or dichotomous depictions are present. The author quotes the Prince George's County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish credibility and provide accurate information.
    • ]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."
    • ]¡The best way to prevent exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure household pets are vaccinated for rabies.¡[
    • ]δCommunity members should report unusual animal behavior and avoid handling or feeding unknown animals in their community.δ
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  • Unique Points
    • A rabid raccoon was found on Lee Boulevard, near John Marshall Park in Shady Side, Anne Arundel County, MD on April 5.
    • Anyone who came into contact with the raccoon is asked to contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7254.
    • Rabies is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a raccoon.
  • Accuracy
    • Pets should have current rabies immunizations.
    • Don’t allow pets to run free.
    • Secure outside garbage to prevent animals from accessing it.
    • Don’t leave pet food outside where animals can access it.
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    None Found At Time Of Publication
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  • Unique Points
    • A raccoon in College Park, MD tested positive for rabies on April 15, 2024.
    • Residents who came into contact with the raccoon between March 27 and April 11 are advised to contact the Health Department at 301-583-3750.
  • Accuracy
    • ]A sick raccoon in College Park, MD tested positive for rabies on Monday, April 17.[
    • The raccoon was captured alive in the 5200 block of Iroquois Street on Thursday, April 11.
    • Residents who came in contact with the animal are urged to call the Prince George’s County Health Department.
    • Rabies is transmitted through saliva and spreads to people and pets through scratches or bites.
    • Rabies can be prevented by administering four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days after exposure
    • Approximately 900 Marylanders receive treatment for rabies exposure each year
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
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  • Unique Points
    • A raccoon tested positive for rabies in College Park, Maryland.
    • The raccoon was found ill and weak on Iroquois Street on April 11th.
    • Health officials are searching for any person or pet that may have come into contact with the raccoon between February 24 and March 5.
    • Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can be prevented by starting post-exposure treatment as soon as possible.
    • Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch.
    • To prevent exposure to rabies, individuals should avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
    • When bitten or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal, four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days can prevent the disease.
    • Approximately 900 Marylanders receive the rabies vaccine each year.
    • WHO reports two different forms of rabies: Furious rabies and Paralytic rabies.
    • Furious rabies symptoms include hyperactivity, excitable behavior, hydrophobia, and aerophobia.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
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    None Found At Time Of Publication
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    None Found At Time Of Publication
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    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication