The Maryland Department of Health laboratory has confirmed a positive rabid case in the Cool Spring Road area near Henderson.
Any person in the vicinity of Cool Spring Road should avoid contact with wildlife, feral cats, unknown animals, and any animal (including cats or dogs) that appear sick or exhibit signs of rabies. Additionally, all residents in the area are urged to make sure their pets and mammal livestock are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
To report a potentially rabid animal, please contact Animal Control at (410) 820-1600 or the non-emergency line of the 911 Center at (410) 479-2222. Please contact the Caroline County Health Department immediately if you have had, or may know of anyone who might have had, any possible human or animal exposure to a rabid animal at (410) 479-8045. If you have an emergency regarding a potential rabid animal or exposure and are calling after normal business hours or on the weekend, please call (410) 829-5910.
An exposure can mean contamination of open wounds, abrasions, mucous membranes, or scratches by potentially contaminated with infectious material from a rabid animal. Additionally, any penetration of the skin by teeth constitutes a bite exposure. All bites, regardless of body site, represent a potential risk of rabies transmission, but that risk varies with the species of biting animal, the site of the bite, and the severity of the wound.
Rabies is a serious but preventable viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It is predominantly seen in raccoons, bats, and skunks, as well as dogs and cats (domestic animals). All wild or unknown animals must be avoided whenever possible since the possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime.
Pet owners should remember that the best way to protect themselves, their families, and their pets is to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccination. The Health Department regularly offers low-cost rabies clinics to help residents protect their pets. The next clinic will be held on Thursday, September 25, at the Health Department building in Denton. Please view our Events Calendar for more information and to access the pre-registration link.
For more information about rabies, visit CDC’s Rabies Prevention webpage.